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Update []:
IGN updated its report on GTA 6 pre-orders this week, using its own affiliate data to reveal that the PS5 release of Rockstar’s upcoming open world is outperforming the Xbox version by 8:1. It originally reported a ratio of 6:1.
Obviously this needs to be approached with a degree of scepticism, as it doesn’t necessarily reflect real-world sales – clicks don’t always equal conversions – and skews towards the less popular physical release, which doesn’t even include a disc.
That said, Microsoft is seemingly not happy about this data floating around, and it’s released a statement to Windows Central.
A spokesperson said:
“This doesn’t represent pre-order data. We’ve had record orders. People should wait for real data and not clicks on affiliate links.”
This statement doesn’t really confirm or deny anything, and I’d argue IGN’s data likely reflects purchasing intent, even if it should ultimately be taken with a pinch of salt.
It’s interesting that Microsoft felt the need to comment on this, though.
Original Story: GTA 6 isn’t a PS5 exclusive, but Sony’s marketing team is going to give the impression that it is.
And it looks like its work is already reaping dividends: IGN data claims PS5 pre-orders of Rockstar’s latest are outpacing the Xbox version by 6:1.
If true, that’s significantly greater than the difference between respective install bases, with the PS5 having sold over 94 million units while the Xbox Series X|S is estimated to be somewhere in the region of 35 million.
It’s perhaps important to underline that IGN is likely looking at retail data here, which would presumably skew things slightly.
GTA 6’s physical release doesn’t come with a disc so is technically compatible with all Xbox Series X|S models, although boxed games generally tend to perform better on the PS5.
That said, 85% of all game purchases on Sony’s console were made digitally last quarter, so it’s not far behind Microsoft in this regard either.
PlayStation is marketing GTA 6 extremely hard, even creating a custom start-up animation for its console to promote the game. It’s never even gone to these lengths with one of its own titles, so we’re in unprecedented territory here.
Either way, I think it’s pretty obvious Rockstar’s latest game is going to sell best on the PS5; not only is it the more popular console, but it’s also already the biggest platform for GTA 5 and GTA Online, according to recently leaked data.
A 6:1 ratio does seem high, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it bears out, especially if Sony’s marketing campaign is as strong as I’m expecting it to be.