GTA VI pre-orders open worldwide, analysts predict 45 million copies sold before November launch
Pre-orders for Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto VI opened worldwide on Thursday, with analysts at Piper Sandler projecting 45 million copies sold before the game's 19 November release.
Pre-orders begin after 13-year wait
Pre-orders for Grand Theft Auto VI, the latest instalment in Rockstar Games' gangster saga, opened at midnight on Thursday in each time zone, from New Zealand to Europe. The launch comes 13 years after GTA V, which became the fastest entertainment product to reach $1 billion in revenue, doing so in just three days in 2013. Fans can now reserve the game online and in select stores ahead of its worldwide release on 19 November 2026.
On avait parfois l'impression que GTA VI n'était qu'un concept lointain, et me dire que je vais pouvoir bientôt y jouer, c'est presque un miracle.
Pricing and the missing disc
The standard edition is priced at $79.99 in the United States, €79.99 in Europe, £70 in the United Kingdom, and ¥9,300 in Japan. Some retailers, such as Amazon in France, are offering it for as little as €60. An Ultimate edition with bonus in-game content costs $99.99 (€100). In a controversial move, the physical box will not contain a disc at launch, effectively ending the second-hand market for the title.
- United States (USD)
- 79.99
- Europe (EUR)
- 79.99
- United Kingdom (GBP)
- 70
- Japan (JPY)
- 9300
Record-breaking sales forecast
Analysts at Piper Sandler estimate that 45 million copies could be sold before the game even launches. Piers Harding-Rolls of Ampere Analysis called it the "biggest launch ever in the entertainment sector", surpassing any film, TV series, concert, or album. GTA V has sold nearly 230 million copies to date, second only to Minecraft, and still generates over $1 million per day through GTA Online.
It will be the biggest launch ever in the entertainment sector, surpassing any film, TV series, concert, or album.
Development and delays
The game's development is estimated to have cost between $1 billion and $2 billion, making it the most expensive entertainment product ever made. Originally slated for autumn 2025, the release was pushed back to November 2026. The first trailer was unveiled in 2023, and every subsequent leak or official image has sparked intense online speculation.
Vice City and a new duo
Set in the fictional state of Leonida, a satirical take on Florida, the game returns to Vice City. Players will control two protagonists, Jason and Lucia, a couple reminiscent of Bonnie and Clyde. The game is rated 18+ for violence and will be available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles.
