Microsoft has pushed back against recent reports suggesting a significant disparity in Grand Theft Auto VI preorder numbers between PlayStation and Xbox platforms. The company stated that unofficial, third-party data does not represent official preorder figures, asserting instead that "We’ve had record orders. People should wait for real data and not clicks on affiliate links."
This statement from Microsoft was a direct response to an IGN report which, citing internal information derived from affiliate links within its user base, indicated that GTA 6 preorders were outperforming Xbox by an eight-to-one ratio. IGN clarified that this data was not official preorder information from Rockstar Games or Take-Two Interactive, but rather early results from its own audience, and thus did not present a complete picture of the sales landscape.
Despite the unofficial nature of the report, it gained significant traction, prompting Microsoft's public comment. Grand Theft Auto VI is slated for a November 19 release, and preorders for the title, which were opened on June 25 for both PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, have been subject to speculation. Given the established higher install base of PlayStation consoles and a reported marketing agreement between Rockstar and PlayStation for GTA 6, it is unsurprising that PlayStation preorder numbers might initially track ahead of Xbox.
Even with the reported early trends, Microsoft's claim of "record orders" on Xbox suggests strong demand for the platform as well. The impending launch of GTA 6 is widely expected to be one of the biggest in gaming history, making any record-setting preorder figures for either platform unsurprising.
Official preorder data from Rockstar or Take-Two has not yet been announced. Although GTA 6 is a digital-exclusive title, which means stock is not a concern for sell-outs, some individuals have already attempted to resell their preorder confirmations on platforms like eBay at inflated prices. The standard edition of GTA 6 is priced at $80, with an ultimate edition available for $100, which includes additional content. The game is confirmed to feature a single-player experience, leaving its online component plans open to further discussion.