Analysts predict Grand Theft Auto 6 could hit $1 billion in pre-orders and $3.2 billion in first-year earnings

The highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 is shaping up to be a historic event in the entertainment industry, with analysts predicting record-breaking earnings even before its official release this autumn. According to research firm DFC Intelligence, Rockstar Games’ newest instalment in the iconic series could generate over $1 billion from pre-orders alone, solidifying its position as the year’s most significant launch across all media.

The projections don’t stop there. DFC predicts that the game will rake in a staggering $3.2 billion during its first year, doubling the first-year earnings of its predecessor, Grand Theft Auto 5, which launched in 2013. To put this into perspective, GTA 6’s earnings could far exceed those of 2024’s blockbuster films, including Inside Out 2 ($1.7 billion) and Deadpool & Wolverine ($1.3 billion).

Yoshio Osaki, CEO of games-focused consultancy IDG Consulting, described the upcoming launch as unprecedented in its scale and impact. “We think it’s going to be one of the biggest entertainment launches in history, not just in gaming but across all media. The pent-up demand is greater than anything we’ve seen before,” Osaki stated.

Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar Games’ parent company, is understandably optimistic but cautious. Speaking to the Financial Times, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick commented, “I never claim victory before it occurs. That said, I think Rockstar Games will once again deliver something absolutely phenomenal. Certainly, the anticipation is high.”

The excitement for GTA 6 has been building since the release of its first trailer in December 2023. The teaser quickly amassed over 100 million views within just two days, surpassing the lifetime views of GTA 5’s debut trailer and securing its place as one of the most-viewed trailers in YouTube history. Fans around the globe were captivated by glimpses of the new game world, which was rumoured to include a return to Vice City and expansive new gameplay features.

With the release date confirmed for autumn 2025, Take-Two has reiterated that everything remains on schedule for what could be the most lucrative year in its history. The game’s massive popularity underscores the cultural and financial dominance of the Grand Theft Auto franchise, which continues to set benchmarks for the industry.

Rockstar’s ability to maintain secrecy and generate unparalleled anticipation has paid off as gamers and media enthusiasts await the fall release, the buzz surrounding GTA 6 points to a launch that could redefine the boundaries of entertainment. Whether it’s breaking records or setting new standards, Grand Theft Auto 6 appears destined to leave an indelible mark in 2025.