Yesterday, after literally years of speculation, rumors, and leaks, Rockstar finally dropped the first teaser for Grand Theft Auto VI. The trailer has gone over well for the most part, although some were surprised to note that the game will only be launching on Xbox Series X/S and PS5, not PC. Rockstar has made a habit of this over the years, but the industry has changed and outside of console exclusives either developed or paid for by Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft, it’s extremely rare these days for a big AAA game to be released exclusively on console without a PC version. May as well grab those extra bucks from PC players at launch, right? So, why are Rockstar and Take Two Interactive sticking with the console-first approach when almost everyone else has abandoned it?

　　While we don’t have a definitive answer, the folks at PlayTracker may have a big hint. According to their tracking data, a whopping 44 percent of GTA V players own the game on more than one platform. That’s unusually high – for most games, less than 10 percent of players (often significantly less) double dip. In other words, GTA is one of the very few series folks are so wild about, they’re not going to wait for a PC port, even if they usually prefer the platform. By releasing on console then PC a year or two later, they can sell GTA VI twice to a significant portion of their audience. Oh, and when they do release GTA VI on PC, it’s not a guarantee it will be available on Steam right away either.

　　Why isn't #GTA6 coming to PC yet?

　　According to our data, 44% of GTA V owners have the game on multiple platforms. The "double dip" is very real. pic.twitter.com/ysxL7EV7Mz

　　— PlayTracker (@PlayTrackerNet) December 5, 2023

　　Haven’t been keeping up with GTA VI? You definitely want to check out that trailer. Here’s a quick statement from Rockstar on the game…

　　“Rockstar Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc., is proud to announce that Grand Theft Auto VI’s coming to PlayStation 5 computer entertainment systems and Xbox Series X/S games and entertainment systems.

　　Grand Theft Auto VI continues our efforts to push the limits of what’s possible in highly immersive, story-driven open-world experiences. We’re thrilled to be able to share this new vision with players everywhere. Grand Theft Auto VI heads to the state of Leonida, home to the neon-soaked streets of Vice City and beyond in the biggest, most immersive evolution of the Grand Theft Auto series yet.”

　　Grand Theft Auto VI launches on Xbox Series X/S and PS5 sometime in 2025. As for when the PC version might arrive, what do you folks think? 2026? Or will the wait be even longer?