The exclusive console launch of GTA 6 highlights my aversion to the exclusivity of these platforms.
Temporary exclusives are harmful.
We are getting closer to the long-awaited arrival of Grand Theft Auto 6, considered one of the most anticipated video games in history. Its release is scheduled for late 2025 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, although there is a significant drawback for many players. Like other major titles in the industry, it will not be available for PC at launch, and it will likely take a considerable amount of time before it arrives on this platform. This situation reaffirms my frustration with console exclusivity, especially as a PC gamer.
In a previous article, I expressed how painful it is to wait for a title like GTA 6, as my primary platform is PC. While I have the option to buy it on PS5 and play it later on PC, that is not an easy decision, especially considering that the PC version is likely to be superior. Additionally, there are rumors suggesting that the game's price could exceed the already high $70 / £70 / approximately AU$110, which is concerning.
It is mentioned that GTA 6 could debut on PC in early 2026, according to Corsair, but the wait has already become exhausting. It's essential to highlight that, while Sony's game exclusivity can be a drawback, it is more understandable in some cases since several of their titles have recently made their way to PC and are expected to continue doing so. However, the temporary exclusivity of titles like this, given that Rockstar Games is not affiliated with a console manufacturer, is particularly frustrating.
Console game ports require additional time for optimization. Although I am aware of this, there are multiple titles that successfully launch on both PC and console on the same date and are well-optimized. A good example of this is the recent release of Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, which launched simultaneously on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, receiving praise for its immersive open-world experience and great optimization. Under this criterion, games like GTA 6 should launch simultaneously across all platforms or, at the very least, be delayed until they are ready.
In my opinion, developers could organize simultaneous releases if Take-Two Interactive allowed it. The strategy of staggered releases encourages PC gamers like me to purchase the game on console for fear of missing the opportunity to play it, only to wait over a year to acquire it on the desired system. This approach has been a common practice since the release of GTA 4 on PC, months after its availability on consoles, which increases sales and fuels discontent toward console exclusivity.
Microsoft's strategy suggests that players should be able to enjoy all games, regardless of platform. We have seen announcements of Xbox titles for PS5 and many already available on PC, but this openness is not consistent with Sony's approach. Examples like Final Fantasy 16 and Resident Evil 4 indicate that temporary exclusivity harms players not on the launch platform.
Ultimately, I consider it unfair that third-party games are reserved for a single system. While some titles may need more time to develop on PC, that is not always the case. PC owners (and in some cases, Xbox owners) should not be forced to wait years for a port due to temporary exclusivity, especially when there will be PC players who do not own consoles and feel compelled to buy them to enjoy GTA 6 without spoilers.
It is unlikely that this situation will change soon. Personally, I believe that a cross-save approach would be an appropriate solution for temporary exclusives, ensuring that players can continue where they left off on another platform. However, I doubt that will happen, which underscores the need for an impending change.
