The hugely anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to bring in an expected $3 billion dollars within its first year following launch, with $1 billion of that amount anticipated to come from pre-orders alone. These figures, which have been calculated by gaming market analysts at DFC Intelligence, would make GTA 6 one of the biggest entertainment launches in history.

The Grand Theft Auto series is synonymous with blockbuster entertainment, demonstrated by the latest release in Rockstar Games' crime series: 2013's GTA 5. As of early 2024, projected end-of-2025 release. The success of its debut trailer and these revealed figures courtesy of the Financial Times, suggests that GTA 6 will be another massive success for Rockstar.

Grand Theft Auto 6 Will Be Successful Either Way, But How Successful?

GTA 6 Could Be The Biggest Entertainment Product In History

The projected figures for GTA 6 are unlike any other gaming launch, with the CEO of IDG Consulting, GTA Online and its microtransaction currency called Shark Cards.

According to Box Office Mojo, the film with the highest worldwide gross is 2009's Avatar with $2.9 billion. Based on the GTA 6 predicted figures, it could sur Avatar quickly.

The gaming industry has evolved significantly since GTA 5's release in 2013, with gamers worldwide seeming to favor digital sales, and engaging with Outlaw es, being available for purchase. However, the $3 billion dollar figure estimated by analysts only takes purchases of the game into , not any microtransactions. This demonstrates how staggering GTA 6's success is expected to be.

Rockstar Has Kept GTA 6 Details Under Lock And Key

The Lack of Marketing Has Become Its Own Form Of Marketing

While the financial forecasts suggest a gaming landmark, Rockstar Games continues to be remarkably quiet about GTA 6. Its debut trailer has accumulated over 230 million views at the time of writing since its December 4 debut in 2023. Fans are clamoring for more information on Lucia and the other currently unnamed protagonist, sparking an excellent marketing strategy for Rockstar, as the anticipation for GTA 6 has reached an all-time high in the gaming industry.

Two images of Lucia in the GTA 6 trailer - one of her looking back in front of the window to a prison yard, and one of her in the front seat of a car clutching a wad of money.
Related
There's No New GTA 6 Trailer In 2024, But Rockstar Has Re-Released The First Trailer Again, This Time In Higher Quality

Instead of a new GTA 6 trailer for 2024, Rockstar has ed the original in much higher quality, revealing new details about the characters.

Despite the immense pressure on Rockstar Games to match the success of games like GTA 5, San Andreas, and Vice City, the 3 billion dollar projection for Grand Theft Auto 6 clarifies that the global excitement for the title is colossal. Whether these lofty figures are met within the first year of its release or not, one guaranteed expectation is that Grand Theft Auto 6 will be a defining moment in the history of gaming, or even in entertainment, as a whole.

Source: Box Office Mojo, YouTube - Rockstar Games, Tweaktown, Financial Times

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Grand Theft Auto 6
Action
Adventure
Released
May 26, 2026
Developer(s)
Rockstar Games
Publisher(s)
Rockstar Games
Engine
Rockstar Advanced Game Engine (RAGE)
Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer
Prequel(s)
Grand Theft Auto 5
Franchise
Grand Theft Auto
Steam Deck Compatibility
yes
Xbox Series X|S Release Date
May 26, 2026
PS5 Release Date
May 26, 2026

Platform(s)
PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S