Despite no GTA 6 release date for Windows, Take-Two CEO admits PC gaming is gaining popularity

PC users were the most disheartened after the latest GTA 6 release date delay. While the Rockstar Games project could debut on consoles in November 2026, the studio hasn’t confirmed a Windows date. Even so, Take-Two Interactive's CEO realizes the lucrative market that the publisher will initially ignore. In an interview with CNBC, Strauss Zelnick discussed how the rise of PC gaming is changing the industry.

Addressing recent trends, Zelnick told the Squawk Box show, “I think it’s moving towards PC and business is moving towards open rather than closed”. His assessment is validated by statistics from Newzoo and Circana shared by PC Gamer. The data firms have tracked a slowdown in console adoption after 2021. However, the desktop and laptop sectors have continued to thrive.

Microsoft has also begun to unify platforms with its Xbox plans. Like the Asus ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, its future consoles may rely on the Windows OS. Also, Valve recently unveiled the Steam Machine to make playing PC titles on TVs more convenient. Finally, with PlayStation, there are rumors of a cross-buy feature involving the PS5 and PC.

The console landscape when GTA 6 arrives

It’s possible that by Fall 2026, the Series X will be even harder to find at retailers. Without a Switch 2 port announced, that would make the game essentially a PS5 attraction. Considering these circumstances, it may seem like a mistake not to prioritize a GTA 6 PC release date. Regardless, Zelnick expects that, as the most seamless way to game in living rooms, consoles will enjoy a bright future.

Rockstar Games' titles have typically seen a period of console exclusivity. After GTA 5 debuted on the PS3 and Xbox 360 in September 2013, it didn’t arrive on Windows until April 2015. Red Dead Redemption 2 didn’t see as large a gap between platform debuts. It’s believed that the studio prefers to optimize console versions before bringing them to its Windows launcher.

Critics think it’s time for Rockstar to change its mindset. Still, even as the PC gaming user base expands, revenue remains strong with the PS5. Analysts don’t forecast the staggered release to slow the anticipated massive sales of the game.