GTA 6 reportedly tops $1 billion before it even launches

Grand Theft Auto 6 has reportedly generated more than $1 billion in pre-orders ahead of its November 19 launch. Sony and Microsoft have also confirmed that the game is the most pre-ordered title in the history of both PlayStation Store and Microsoft Store, with Sony describing demand as "unprecedented."

According to Sensor Tower estimates, GTA 6 had attracted 10.31 million digital console pre-orders worth approximately $1 billion as of November 11. That's up from 7.71 million copies as of November 2.

PlayStation accounts for the bulk of those orders, with an estimated 7.73 million copies worth $751 million. Xbox accounts for another 2.58 million copies and approximately $250 million in sales. The estimated average spending of around $97 per copy suggests that many buyers may be opting for the more expensive Ultimate Edition.

The figures have not been confirmed by Rockstar Games or its parent company, Take-Two Interactive. However, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick recently said that pre-orders were running "far ahead" of the company's expectations. Meanwhile Sony described demand as “unprecedented,” while Microsoft also announced a preorder record for its store.

For comparison, Grand Theft Auto 5 generated more than $800 million in worldwide sales during its first 24 hours and passed $1 billion within three days of launch in September 2013. GTA 6 appears to be approaching a similar milestone before it even reaches players.

Industry forecasts suggest the launch of GTA 6 could generate substantially more. A July analysis by market research firm Newzoo projected cumulative global sales revenue of between $3.3 billion and $5.2 billion by the end of the first week after release.

GTA 6 pre-orders first opened on June 25. Players who pre-order the game by November 19 will also receive the Vintage Vice City Pack and one month of GTA+. Sony and Microsoft are encouraging players to download the game ahead of launch to avoid delays on release day, and pre-loading began on November 10.

Microsoft has also announced that GTA 6 will be playable through Xbox Cloud Gaming, allowing Xbox One owners to access the game despite the lack of a native version for the older console generation.