Microsoft has responded to a report that suggested Grand Theft Auto VI preorders are significantly favoring the PlayStation 5 over the Xbox Series X and S. The report from The Verge had raised concerns about Xbox's platform performance, interpreting the preorder data as an "alarm bell."
However, Matthew Ball, Xbox's Chief Strategy Officer, countered the report by stating that Microsoft is "very happy" with the preorder numbers for GTA 6. According to Ball, internal data indicates that Xbox's share of preorders accurately reflects its current share of the console market. "Our internal analysis shows our share of preorders to be matching our share of the console market," Ball said in a statement.
While Microsoft has not released official sales figures for the Xbox Series X and S in several years, industry analysts estimate that the combined Xbox consoles are being outsold by the PlayStation 5 by a ratio of at least 2:1. As of June 30, the PS5 had surpassed 95 million units sold.
Sony has actively promoted its partnership with Rockstar Games for Grand Theft Auto VI, prominently featuring the game in marketing materials and highlighting PS5-specific features such as the DualSense controller's haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. This strong association between Sony and GTA 6 is a key factor in the reported preorder disparity.
The Verge's report also touched upon potential strategic shifts at Xbox, including speculation that the platform might be restructured for easier spin-off or operation as a separate entity.
Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled to launch on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S.