Circana: 29% of US gamers say they plan to buy GTA 6

Market research firm Circana says 29% of gamers in the United States, across console and PC, intend to buy Grand Theft Auto VI, according to a report from GamesRadar+. Circana says that makes Rockstar's game the most anticipated release it has ever tracked.

What we know

The figure comes from Circana's consumer research, with commentary from veteran industry analyst Mat Piscatella. GamesRadar+ reports the 29% covers US players on both consoles and PC.

"Grand Theft Auto 6 represents a rare cultural and commercial moment for the video game industry," Piscatella writes, noting that players have waited 13 years for a follow-up to GTA V.

Piscatella's argument is that the game's pull will spread beyond software sales:

• He expects demand to extend to consoles, accessories and gaming subscriptions as people get ready for launch.
• He suggests some players who haven't moved to current-generation hardware may buy a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series console mainly for this game.
• GamesRadar+ adds that this could include people who usually play on PC, as Rockstar isn't releasing GTA VI on PC storefronts at launch.
• With Black Friday and the holiday season ahead, he expects the game to drive software sales, hardware upgrades and related tech purchases through the fourth quarter.

GamesRadar+ describes GTA VI as the headline November release, alongside other launches that month such as a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

The outlet also notes that Piscatella recently said other developers shouldn't "fear" releasing games near Rockstar's, since plenty of players will want to play other things as well.

What isn't confirmed yet

The 29% figure measures stated intent to buy, not actual sales or pre-orders. GamesRadar+'s report doesn't give the survey's sample size, timing or methodology, and the predictions about console upgrades and holiday spending are Piscatella's analysis rather than measured results. Rockstar has not commented on the figures.