Rockstar Games confirmed that pre-orders for Grand Theft Auto 6 open on June 25, unveiling official cover art for the first time. The announcement marks a major milestone for one of gaming's biggest franchises, with GTA 6 positioned as the most anticipated release in years.
The cover art features dual protagonists, signaling a return to the dual-character narrative structure last seen in GTA 5. Rockstar kept details sparse beyond the pre-order date, maintaining the mystery surrounding gameplay, story specifics, and the game's setting. The company had previously released a brief teaser trailer in December 2023 that generated massive buzz across social media and gaming forums.
GTA 6 carries enormous commercial weight. GTA 5 shipped over 175 million copies and generated billions in revenue through both base game sales and GTA Online's ongoing live-service model. Investors and publishers expect GTA 6 to match or exceed those numbers, particularly given the console cycle and expanded player base since 2013.
The June 25 pre-order window suggests a launch target sometime in 2025, though Rockstar has not officially confirmed a release date. Early access through pre-orders typically arrives weeks or months before the general launch. With pre-orders opening mid-year, a fall 2025 window appears likely, allowing the publisher to avoid the crowded holiday season.
For Rockstar parent company Take-Two Interactive, this release represents a defining event. GTA Online's dominance shifted gaming economics toward live-service models with recurring revenue. GTA 6 will test whether that formula remains viable against newer competition from free-to-play titles and other open-world games. The cover reveal and pre-order date signal confidence from Rockstar that the wait is nearly over.