A former Rockstar developer has made an attempt to clarify why Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to release on PC after its initial launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S. The recently unveiled trailer confirmed a 2025 release date for GTA 6, but the limited platforms at launch—specifically, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S—stirred controversy within the PC gaming community. PC gamers now find themselves in the dilemma of waiting for the PC release or opting for a console version initially. In response to the mixed reactions from PC gamers, Mike York, a former Rockstar animator, provided insights into the potential reasoning behind Rockstar’s decision in a new video.
“The reason why a PC port comes later and not the first thing that comes out is because they want to prioritize what sells,” York explained. “Most of the time, especially in the past, PlayStation was the big seller. PlayStation was the console to have. It sold more than any other console for the most part. Everybody’s playing PlayStation.”
York mentioned that for GTA 5, Rockstar prioritized the PS3, developing the Xbox 360 port simultaneously before addressing the PC version post-launch. GTA 5 initially launched on PS3 and Xbox 360 in September 2013, followed by releases on PS4 and Xbox One in November 2014. The PC version arrived later in April 2015, and versions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S launched in March 2022.
York’s argument delves into the challenges of developing a PC version for a complex and extensive game like GTA, considering the multitude of potential hardware configurations. He emphasizes the extensive testing required for a quality PC launch, making it the primary reason why Rockstar tends to release PC versions after the console counterparts, a pattern expected to continue with GTA 6.
In emphasizing the challenges of developing a PC port, former Rockstar developer Mike York highlighted the crucial aspect of distinct architectures and components. He explained that PlayStation and Xbox consoles have uniform hardware, making testing more straightforward. However, the vast diversity in PC setups, including different CPUs, GPUs, and memory usage, creates complexities. York stressed the necessity for extensive testing on various PC configurations, making it a more intricate and resource-intensive process compared to console testing, where the game is tested on a more standardized platform. The variability in PC setups poses potential challenges and increases the need for rigorous testing to ensure compatibility and performance across diverse systems.
Regardless of the circumstances, York urged PC gamers to extend the “benefit of the doubt” to Rockstar and refrain from sending angry messages to the staff regarding the GTA 6 launch plans.
“I heard one guy say, ‘it’s not rocket science.’ But it might be harder than rocket science in some situations. Like, literally,” York emphasized. “This stuff is very complicated, with the coding and the different things you have to do in order to get it to work properly, and all the testing you have to do.
“So, don’t get mad at the developers or come at them and be upset. Just try to give them the benefit of the doubt. Try to give them the time to hopefully deliver these ports. Go in the comment sections on these and say hey, it’s okay guys, take your time. Take your time! Let the developers know it’s okay to take their time so they can deliver the best game they can to you.”