Pre-orders for Grand Theft Auto VI have driven the upcoming game past $1 billion in sales ahead of its November 19 launch.
Sensor Tower updated its sales tracker to show that players have reserved more than 10 million copies across PlayStation 5 and Xbox platforms. Revenue crossed the $1-billion mark net of returns.
About 75 percent of those purchases originate on the PlayStation 5.
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick said presales are running far above initial projections. The commercial velocity echoes the historic trajectory of its predecessor, “Grand Theft Auto V”, which cleared $1 billion in retail sales within three days of its 2013 release.
Anticipation for the title has built steadily over several years. The debut trailer in 2023 pulled in upwards of 90 million views within a single day to establish a YouTube record for non-music content.
Zelnick said that the organization intends to share additional performance figures following the title’s commercial debut. Current figures match the high demand seen when reservation windows opened in June.
Zelnick addressed questions regarding whether the software might eventually migrate to other hardware lines such as personal computers or the Nintendo Switch 2, or receive a traditional physical disc distribution. He maintained that such announcements originate strictly from the respective labels.
During the same period, labor organization SAG-AFTRA issued a public declaration backing unionization efforts by personnel at Rockstar Games. Zelnick declined to address the matter when interviewed.
The standard edition of the title will launch at $79.99. The ultimate version carries a $99.99 price tag on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S and X devices.
The sales surge arrives alongside Take-Two’s financial report for the July-September quarter. The report recorded game revenue of $1.38 billion and ad sales of $121 million. Sales for the “NBA 2K” franchise came in softer than anticipated during the period.
Zelnick expressed confidence that the studio is positioned to deliver a historic year for the company despite the reported loss and lower revenue in the final quarter before the launch.
The upcoming title transports players back to Vice City, Rockstar Games’ familiar satirical interpretation of American culture. The franchise traces its roots back to 1997 as a top-down experience enabling users to explore virtual worlds, operate stolen automobiles, elude law enforcement, and engage in illicit activities.
The 2013 installment introduced an online multiplayer component supported by ongoing content updates. “Grand Theft Auto V” alone accounts for upwards of 230 million units sold.
The narrative centers on two protagonists, Lucia and Jason. Their specific voice performers remain undisclosed by the studio.
Developers mentioned several supporting figures, including a bank robber named Raul Bautista, an aspiring music executive named Dre’Quan Priest, and a nightclub owner named Boobie Ike.
Musical accompaniment for the release features in-game radio broadcasts and a separate collection of original tracks. Musical collaborations include artists such as Tame Impala, SZA, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, and Gesaffelstein.
Earlier coverage: Sensor Tower Estimates Grand Theft Auto VI Presales Top $1B
