GTA 6 set for biggest entertainment launch as pre-orders cross $1 billion

‘GTA 6’ is already making headlines ahead of its much-awaited release, with estimated pre-orders reportedly crossing the $1 billion mark. More than a decade after the launch of its predecessor, the upcoming instalment in the Grand Theft Auto franchise has attracted massive interest, with estimates suggesting that between 10 million and 12 million copies have been pre-ordered.

According to a report by Polygon, more than 7.7 million players have already purchased the game. Analytics firm Sensor Tower's estimates suggest that the launch could become the biggest in entertainment history, although Rockstar Games has not officially confirmed the figures.

GTA 6 pre-orders: Premium edition sees strong demand

The reported sales figures also point to a preference for the more expensive editions of the game. Many buyers are said to be choosing the $99 Ultimate Edition instead of the standard version, indicating strong demand for premium bundles even before the game's release.

Sony's PlayStation 5 accounts for the bulk of the reported pre-orders, with users of the console making up around 75 per cent of advance purchases. Xbox Series X|S players account for the remaining 25 per cent.

The figures are based on third-party analytics and have not been officially announced by Rockstar Games. However, the scale of the reported pre-launch demand has added to the anticipation surrounding the title.

When will GTA 6 release?

Rockstar Games is scheduled to release ‘GTA 6’ on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The game will take players back to Vice City, located in the fictional state of Leonida.

The release comes more than 13 years after ‘GTA V’ arrived. The previous instalment remains the second-best-selling video game of all time, with approximately 230 million copies sold.

Addressing the wait for the upcoming game, Rockstar Games said, "We want to thank you again for your patience and support. While the wait is a little longer, we are incredibly excited for players to experience the sprawling state of Leonida and a return to modern day Vice City," the company noted.