The situation, in brief
The highly anticipated video game Grand Theft Auto VI is expected to break industry records upon its release on November 19, 2026, according to analysts. Citing industry forecasts, Forbes reported that the game could sell up to 40 million copies within its first 24 hours, potentially generating…
The highly anticipated video game Grand Theft Auto VI is expected to break industry records upon its release on November 19, 2026, according to analysts.
Citing industry forecasts, Forbes reported that the game could sell up to 40 million copies within its first 24 hours, potentially generating between $3 billion and $4 billion in revenue.
If achieved, this would surpass the record set by its predecessor, Grand Theft Auto V, which earned $815.7 million on its first day in 2013. The franchise is developed by Take-Two Interactive.
13-year gap
The upcoming release comes more than a decade after Grand Theft Auto V, one of the best-selling video games of all time, with nearly 230 million copies sold worldwide.
Fans have long anticipated a new installment, with Rockstar Games confirming in February 2022 that development of the sixth title was underway, according to BBC.
Developers previously acknowledged that production has taken longer due to rising development costs and the pressure to meet high expectations following the success of earlier titles.
Potential to top all-time sales
With strong early projections, gaming outlet GamingBible said Grand Theft Auto VI “has the power to become the best-selling video game of all time.”
For comparison, Red Dead Redemption 2 has sold around 85 million copies, while Grand Theft Auto V has reached approximately 230 million units. The current best-selling titles remain Minecraft (400 million copies) and Tetris (250 million copies).
Set in the fictional state of Leonida, inspired by Florida, the game will feature protagonists Lucia Caminos and Jason Duval in a modern-day Vice City. Rockstar Games is expected to build on its signature open-world crime gameplay, incorporating themes of social media culture, influencer dynamics, and a satirical take on contemporary American life.
Pre-orders for Grand Theft Auto VI began on June 25, with some analysts saying the game generated more than $1 billion in sales within the first hour of launch—highlighting unprecedented demand more than a decade in the making ahead of its November release. — Photo from Rockstar Games
