Rockstar May Move GTA 6 PC Launch in Response to Expected Console Shortages

It has long been thought that there would be a long delay between the console and PC launches of Grand Theft Auto VI—GTA V launched to consoles a whole two years ahead of the PC port—however, the unprecedented times facing the PC and console hardware markets may be enough to pressure Rockstar into moving the PC launch of GTA VI ahead, according to recent rumors.

In a recent appearance on the VGC Podcast, Andy Robinson mentioned during a discussion about the ongoing gaming hardware situation that he thinks “they’ll push the PC version up,” referring to GTA VI. He went on to say that “There’s a bit of noise about that. That perhaps the PC version might arrive sooner than some people might expect, just because of everything that’s going on,” suggesting high demand—some of which is induced by GTA VI itself—may drive Rockstar Games to release the PC port sooner.

Even discounting the alleged insider chatter Robinson cited, there’s some reason to the assumption that GTA VI might be handled differently, and the ongoing DRAM crisis is only part of the explanation. In addition to data center-induced demand, the upcoming launch of GTA VI has seemingly prompted sky-high console prices after retail stock of the PlayStation 5 Pro disappeared overnight, and a restocking was accompanied by a $400+ price jump.

Analysts and retailers have also predicted that console stock would run dry when GTA VI finally launches in November. With evidence to back up these claims, it stands to reason that Rockstar might release GTA VI on PC in order to sell more units early in the game’s lifecycle.