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GTA 6 Expected to "Reshape" Gaming Industry, Says New Report

A couple jason and lucia from gta 6 video game, sits on a bed in a sunlit room. The woman holds a gun, both appear serious. A green upward graph overlays the scene.
Jason and Lucia from GTA 6 (Credit: Rockstar Games)

Grand Theft Auto VI is expected to have a major impact on the global gaming industry, according to the latest 2025 Global Games Market Report published by analytics firm Newzoo.


Industry at a Crossroads

The games industry in 2025 has been going through a tough period. Console sales are slowing down, layoffs have hit major studios, and many players continue to stick with long-running titles like Fortnite, Roblox, and GTA 5. While mobile and PC remain healthy segments, console gaming has seen the slowest growth this year at just 2.5% year-over-year.


Newzoo’s findings suggest that this slowdown may continue into 2026, unless a major disruptor steps in. And that disruptor looks to be Grand Theft Auto VI.


GTA 6 as a Market Driver

According to Newzoo’s Principal Market Analyst Michiel Buijsman, GTA 6 isn’t just another blockbuster release; it’s positioned to "reshape the competitive landscape" of PC and console gaming.


The report highlights that Rockstar’s upcoming title is expected to increase "upgrade rates" for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Many players, including those who have lapsed or delayed buying new hardware, are likely waiting for a big release like GTA 6 to justify the purchase.


For console manufacturers and publishers, this matters a lot. A surge in hardware sales often leads to higher software sales across the board, meaning other games could benefit from the GTA effect as well.


Console Market Snapshot

Newzoo’s report also sheds light on broader trends in console gaming:

  • 2025 console players: 645 million, making up 18% of all global players.

  • Growth rate: Just 2.5% YoY, the lowest among major platforms.

  • Revenue projections for 2025: $45.9 billion (+5.5% YoY), largely due to the launch of new hardware (Nintendo Switch 2), higher software prices, and major releases

  • Regional insights: Growth in traditional markets like the U.S. and Europe remains limited, but China and Japan are showing signs of expansion. Japan, in particular, is seeing renewed momentum with the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2.

  • 2026 outlook: Modest growth is expected, but GTA 6 is projected to significantly boost console engagement.


The report also revisits Rockstar’s current achievements. Grand Theft Auto V remains the best-selling PlayStation game of all time in the U.S., with San Andreas and Vice City still holding strong spots in the top 20. Meanwhile, the GTA Trilogy on Netflix has been a surprising success, attracting a wide audience on the mobile streaming platform.

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