GTA 6 Pre-Order Revenue: What We Know So Far
As of now, Rockstar Games has not officially opened pre-orders for Grand Theft Auto VI, so no confirmed revenue figure exists. The game is scheduled for release in 2025, and while fan anticipation is massive, any number circulating online is speculative.
Why Pre-Orders Haven’t Started
Rockstar has a history of opening pre-orders only after they announce a concrete release date, which they haven’t done for GTA 6 beyond the 2025 window. The first official trailer, released in December 2023, confirmed the game’s existence and timeframe, but the company typically waits until a few months before launch to start taking money. This approach builds hype without committing to a date they might miss. For comparison, Red Dead Redemption 2’s pre-orders opened about seven months before its October 2018 launch, so a similar timeline would put GTA 6 pre-orders sometime in late 2024 or early 2025.
How Pre-Order Revenue Works for Big Games
When a game like GTA 6 does open pre-orders, the revenue is not counted as immediate profit. Retailers and digital storefronts (like PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, and Steam) collect the money, but they hold it in escrow until the game ships. The publisher (Take-Two Interactive) only recognizes that revenue once the game is actually in players’ hands. This means even if pre-orders hit a billion dollars, that figure wouldn’t appear on any financial report until launch week. Analysts often estimate pre-order numbers based on retailer rankings and surveys, but those are educated guesses, not official counts.
What Fans Are Actually Doing Right Now
Without official pre-orders, fans are resorting to placeholders. Some retailers have listed GTA 6 with a “notify me” button, letting players register interest without paying. Others have created unofficial wishlists on digital stores. A common misconception is that buying a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X bundle that includes a GTA 6 code is a pre-order—it’s not, those are just console bundles that may or may not include a future voucher. The safest way to be ready is to follow Rockstar’s official social channels and sign up for their newsletter, since they will announce pre-orders there first.
How to Choose a Pre-Order Edition (When Available)
When pre-orders do open, you’ll likely see at least two editions, and the choice depends on what you value:
- Standard Edition – The base game only. Best if you just want to play the story and online mode.
- Deluxe/Special Edition – Usually adds in-game bonuses like a special vehicle, weapon skin, or early access to certain content. Worth it if you plan to sink hours into GTA Online.
- Collector’s Edition – Physical items like a steelbook case, map, or statue. Only for hardcore fans who want memorabilia.
Check what bonuses are actually exclusive to pre-orders—sometimes the same items are sold separately later. Also, digital pre-orders on console platforms often let you pre-load the game a day or two early, which is a real convenience if your internet is slow.
Common Problems When Pre-Ordering
The biggest issue fans face is being charged twice or not at all. If you pre-order from a third-party retailer and the game is delayed, you might need to manually cancel to get a refund. Digital storefronts have automatic refund policies, but they vary—PlayStation and Xbox allow refunds before the game’s release date, but Steam’s policy is stricter. Another problem is regional pricing: pre-ordering from a foreign store to get a lower price can lock your account to that region, which may cause issues with DLC or online play. Always pre-order from the same region as your main account.
Comparisons to Other Record-Breaking Games
To gauge what GTA 6 might earn, look at its predecessor. GTA V earned $1 billion in retail sales within three days of its 2013 launch, a record at the time. Red Dead Redemption 2 did $725 million in its opening weekend. More recently, Hogwarts Legacy sold over 12 million copies in its first two weeks. If GTA 6 pre-orders open and match the hype, analysts speculate it could break $1 billion in pre-orders alone, but that’s a projection, not a fact. The only confirmed pre-order record is for Call of Duty: Black Ops II, which hit $500 million in 2012, but that figure hasn’t been beaten publicly since.
Safety and Scam Warnings
Be wary of any website claiming to sell GTA 6 pre-orders right now. Since the game isn’t officially available, any seller taking your money is either a scam or a grey-market reseller with no guarantee. Never give your credit card details to unverified sites. Stick to official retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, and the console storefronts. Also, ignore any “GTA 6 early access” codes circulating on social media—they’re phishing attempts. If something sounds too good to be true, it is.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will GTA 6 pre-orders open?
There’s no official date, but based on Rockstar’s past pattern, expect pre-orders roughly 6-8 months before the release window. With a 2025 target, that likely means late 2024 or early 2025. Keep an eye on Rockstar’s official news page.
Will GTA 6 be on PC at launch?
Rockstar has not confirmed platforms beyond “current gen consoles” (PS5 and Xbox Series X/S). Historically, GTA V and Red Dead Redemption 2 came to PC months or years after console launch, so a simultaneous PC release is unlikely but not impossible.
Can I pre-order GTA 6 on Steam?
Not yet. When it does open, Steam is a likely digital retailer, but Rockstar may prioritize their own launcher or console stores first. Check Steam’s store page for GTA 6 periodically, but don’t expect it until the official announcement.
How much will GTA 6 cost?
No official price has been announced. Standard AAA games currently cost around $70 on consoles, so expect that for the base edition. Special editions will cost more, but exact prices will only be revealed when pre-orders open.
Will pre-ordering give me early access to GTA Online?
That’s a common perk for special editions, but it’s not confirmed for GTA 6. Rockstar has used early access as a bonus in past games, so it’s possible, but don’t assume it until they announce the edition contents.
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