Grand Theft Auto VI might very well be the most highly anticipated video game release of the decade, Red Dead Redemption 2 notwithstanding. Most triple-A releases these days typically launch on both PC and consoles at the same time, yet GTA VI will only be available on consoles come Nov. 19.
Speaking with Bloomberg, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick states that Rockstar has typically always launched its games on consoles first. The idea here is that Rockstar wants to serve its core audience first and make sure they get the console launch right, before moving to the PC audience, which they consider to be a bit more niche.
‘“Rockstar always starts on console because I think with regard to a release like that you’re judged by serving the core,” Zelnick said. “Like really serving the core consumer. If your core consumer isn’t there, if they’re not served first and best, you kind of don’t hit your other consumers.”
Zelnick said the window of console exclusivity was not related to the company’s marketing deal with PlayStation maker Sony Group Corp. “No,” he said. “I mean, historically Rockstar’s gone to console first.”’
It’s a nice sentiment. But I guess if I were to take a more cynical view on Zelnick’s statement, it would be that the console launch may tempt PC players to double dip by picking it up on consoles first, then get the full “PC master race” experience when it does come to PC later on. That same logic would apply to console players too, who may later be tempted to revisit the game again on PC, especially if a considerable amount of time has passed and the game feels fresh once again.
As the Bloomberg article itself insinuates, Take-Two could get “two bites at the apple — a console release this November and then a second opportunity whenever the game arrives on PC, which could be a chance to drive more sales and even get some customers to buy the game twice.”
I know that I’ve certainly fallen prey to this with GTA V, having first experienced the game on launch day on PS4, then buying it about a year later with the PC release.
Grand Theft Auto VI is set to be released for consoles on Nov. 19.
