GTA 6 set to be unplayable for around 50% of all PlayStation gamers on release day
The hype for Rockstar's next release is far from dying down.
And why would it?
Over ten years post-launch, GTA V remains a massively popular game among console and PC gamers, with another huge DLC set to hit online stores in summer 2024.
And the franchise as a whole consistently pushes limits in open-world exploration, endless customisation and addictive PvP modes.
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And the sixth title is expected to be no different. Sam Houser, founder of Rockstar Games, said in a press release: '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.'
However, despite the major hype, GTA 6 won't be available to a large portion of its fanbase.
According to a tweet from journalist Stephen Totilo, Sony revealed that since its November 2020 launch, the PlayStation 5 has sold over 59 million units with the PlayStation brand boasting over 118 million users.
This means that more than half of PS gamers are on the previous-generation PlayStation 4, and thus won't be able to play GTA VI.
Similarly, users on previous Xbox consoles will face the same issue.
On the back of its announcement, Rockstar wrote: 'Rockstar Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc., is proud to announce that Grand Theft Auto VI is coming to PlayStation 5 computer entertainment systems and Xbox Series X | S games and entertainment systems in 2025.'
PC access is yet to be confirmed, but this is not usual as PC players were able to play GTA V two years after it hit console shelves.
While many PS4 owners may not be interested in GTA VI, a significant number likely are, as Rockstar's current releases maintain high player counts.
Steam alone averaged a total of 93,474 players just last month for GTA Online, with peak players being 161,930, according to Steam Charts. And I only imagine the picture is similar to those on the console as it's almost impossible to find a quiet lobby still.
This trend of next-gen exclusivity is already the case for huge hits like Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart.
So we'll likely see the same from other highly anticipated launches such as the upcoming Star Wars Outlaws, due for release in August 2024.
That being said, GTA VI won't be released until late 2025, so there is still plenty of time to upgrade so that those still on PS4 won't miss out on some awesome games.