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Grand Theft Auto 6 is impacting the games industry months before it launches. Per new analysis from Newzoo, Rockstar’s blockbuster has the potential to do much more than drive huge software sales, as its release later this year could give the wider console market a significant lift.
Newzoo’s latest report found GTA 6 has essentially become the centerpiece of 2026’s release calendar. Publishers have shifted their schedules to avoid overlapping with GTA 6’s launch, while other big releases may struggle amid heightened competition upon Grand Theft Auto 6’s release.
Console revenue anticipated to rise thanks to GTA 6
Analyst firm Newzoo shared its latest Global Games Report today (July 21), which details GTA 6‘s impact on the console market.
Predicting a direct console revenue hit should GTA 6 not launch this year, Newzoo says console releases are being planned around the game with publishers restructuring their release calendars accordingly.
The firm also predicts GTA 6 will have a wider positive effect on console revenue and full-game monetisation. Current-gen hardware sales could also see a bump from players swapping systems to play the highly anticipated open-world sequel.
Revenue estimates pre-release are said to be bolstering this hype. Analysts say GTA 6 has effectively “anchored” the console market this year, with enough pre-orders to place the game at the top of its console genre for adventure games in terms of revenue.
Of course, Grand Theft Auto 5 sales serve as a clear indicator as to what GTA 6 can expect should it match its predecessor’s success. GTA 5 has tallied over 250 million sales since launching in 2013.
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