The impending launch of Grand Theft Auto 6 is expected to significantly impact the gaming landscape, but developers may not need to worry about its full force immediately. Shams Jorjani, CEO of Helldivers 2 developer Arrowhead, has stated that the absence of a PC version and an online component at GTA 6's November launch provides breathing room for other titles.
Speaking to IGN, Jorjani expressed that while Rockstar's high-effort creations are commendable, the staggered release strategy for GTA 6 offers strategic advantages. "On a selfish level I'm happy it’s not hitting PC right away, and that online isn’t dropping at launch," he said. "It means Helldivers 2 gets to keep crushing it in our own space, and is also why it won’t be the all consuming behemoth everyone’s worried about."
Jorjani suggested that the industry's current focus on player feedback and rapid strategy shifts is a survival tactic. In contrast, Rockstar possesses the brand power to take its time and execute a more traditional, long-term approach. "They have the confidence and freedom to spend a decade doing things the old-school way because they know the core game will deliver. It’s going to raise the bar for sure," he noted.
Helldivers 2, a PlayStation Studios title, has found a strong audience on PC via Steam, maintaining a significant player base years after its release. The upcoming GTA 6 is slated to launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S in November. The game is confirmed to be a single-player experience at launch, with no online mode available initially. This approach aligns with Rockstar's past strategies, where they have historically demonstrated the ability to ensure success even without an immediate PC release.