Every GTA fan is eagerly awaiting the most anticipated installment in Rockstar Games' series, Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6). However, many fans are disappointed because no new information has been provided so far.

Even in Take-Two Interactive's earnings call, there was no significant update regarding GTA 6. They only hinted that GTA 6 Online will feature different game mechanics, including User-Generated Content (UGC).

Fans are confident GTA 6 won't be released on Xbox One and PS4

The GTA 6 trailer was released in December 2023 and has gained significant popularity due to its impressive graphical advancements, similar to the leap Rockstar made with Red Dead Redemption 2 after GTA 5. As a result, fans are assuming that this upcoming title, GTA 6, will not be released for last-gen consoles like Xbox One and PS4 based on the first trailer.

Rockstar Games has decided to release this GTA installment exclusively on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5, skipping last-gen consoles. The PC version is set to release in 2026. With high expectations for this latest title, Rockstar Games aims to deliver cutting-edge graphics and game mechanics. They want to ensure the game meets fans' expectations without compromising on quality for last-gen consoles. Sacrificing graphics for older hardware would be detrimental and not in line with their vision for the game.

Community Shift: From Last-Gen to Next-Gen Consoles

Players are already shifting from last-gen to next-gen consoles, which is reasonable given that the technology both hardware and software is outdated. This often results in graphics being compromised below the recommended levels, which could negatively impact future games like GTA 6. Although next-gen consoles might not offer the same level of customization as a high-end PC, GTA 6 is designed to deliver immersive gameplay and cutting-edge graphics.

For instance, GTA V Online has been removed from Xbox One because it no longer supports the advancements made in the game. The technology in last-gen consoles cannot keep up with newer developments. Additionally, the lifespan of Xbox One and PS4 is diminishing, and players will eventually transition to newer hardware. To avoid wasting development resources, Rockstar Games has chosen not to support these older consoles for GTA 6.

Conclusion

There’s no doubt that Rockstar Games has the capability to develop GTA 6 for last-gen consoles like Xbox One and PS4, but they don't want to waste their budget on technology that's becoming obsolete. While GTA V was optimized for Xbox 360, an outdated console at the time, Rockstar managed to make it run smoothly and took great care of its console fans.

However, the situation is different now. The market for last-gen consoles has already diminished, and Strauss Zelnick has stated that they aim for long-term success rather than short-term gains. Therefore, Rockstar Games is focusing on the upcoming GTA title, Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6), for next-gen consoles and future-proofing their investment.