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- Many prefer PC gaming due to its flexibility to upgrade components, leading to a decline in console sales.
- GTA VI’s exclusivity on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S may push some players to buy a console.
- While GTA VI might boost console sales slightly, it is unlikely to reverse the overall decline without a new console generation.
GTA VI is one of the most anticipated games in the gaming community. With its release date approaching in the fall of 2025, players are eager to experience it as soon as possible. Developed by Rockstar Games, a company known for creating some of the greatest video games, GTA VI is expected to make a huge impact.
Phil Spencer says the console market isn’t growing and the sales are continuously going down. In recent years, the cost of a single AAA game reached $100, creating a barrier to accessibility for many who cannot afford both a console and multiple expensive games at the same time.
However, since GTA VI will only be released on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, some players will likely eventually buy a console to play it. Analysts see GTA 6 as Xbox’s chance to boost sales, leveraging the budget-friendly Xbox Series S.
Why Are Console Sales Dropping?
Before discussing whether GTA VI will increase console sales, we need to understand why people are not buying consoles as much as they once did. Several key reasons contribute to the decline in console sales.
First of all, cross-platform game development ensures a seamless gaming experience across multiple devices. In the past, playing a specific game required buying its dedicated console. Now, even if a game is unavailable on PC at launch, players often wait, knowing it will likely arrive later.
Another reason is that many gamers now prefer PC gaming, as it offers more flexibility and can be upgraded as well. In contrast, consoles become outdated over time, requiring players frequent replacements.
Moreover, the last console generation, including the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, was released in 2020. By now, most interested buyers have already purchased them. Early adopters drove high initial sales, but demand has since declined. As time passes, fewer people feel the need to buy a console.
Can GTA VI Change This?
GTA VI is not just another game; it is the most anticipated game of the decade. Many want to play it on day one, but only console owners can. The big question is: will people buy a console for it?
One of the main reasons people might buy a console is that GTA VI will initially be released only on PlayStation and Xbox, with the expected PC version to launch in 2026. PC players might have to wait over a year to play. To avoid the long wait, some may eventually purchase a console. However, opinions on this matter are mixed.
As per discussion in GTAForums, some believe it’s worth getting a console to play GTA VI, as they don’t want to miss out while everyone else is enjoying the game and discussing spoilers. Some suggest buying a used console and selling it later to save money. On the other hand, others argue that waiting for the PC version is a better choice.
Some players also prefer buying a console just to play GTA VI on its release date. Gamers can also use spoiler-blocking browser extensions like Spoiler Protection 2.0, to avoid spoilers. Ultimately, the decision depends on patience, budget, and how much someone values playing GTA VI on day one.
Will Console Sale Increase?
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick believes that GTA VI will help increase console sales. He stated that big games have historically contributed to console sales growth. There is some truth to this: whenever a highly anticipated game is released, console sales usually slightly increase.
However, several factors are working against this, including the decline of exclusive games, the rising popularity of PC gaming, and the high cost of both consoles and games. These challenges make it difficult for any game to change the trend of declining console sales drastically.
The only thing that could significantly boost console sales is the release of a new console generation, such as PlayStation 6 or the next Xbox. While GTA VI is a massive game contributing to gaming industry growth it may drive some sales, but it alone won’t be enough to fully reverse the decline in console purchases.
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[Comparisons Expert]
Shehryar Khan, a seasoned PC hardware expert, brings over three years of extensive experience and a deep passion for the world of technology. With a love for building PCs and a genuine enthusiasm for exploring the latest advancements in components, his expertise shines through his work and dedication towards this field. Currently, Shehryar is rocking a custom loop setup for his built.
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