How Much Money Will Grand Theft Auto VI Make?
With Grand Theft Auto VI officially announced and scheduled for release on May 26, 2026, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch. After the monumental success of GTA V, which has generated over $8 billion since 2013, Rockstar Games and parent company Take-Two Interactive are poised to break even more records with this long-awaited sequel.
A Launch Like No Other
Analysts and industry insiders project that GTA VI could generate $1.5–2 billion in revenue within its first week, surpassing the $1 billion in three days earned by GTA V. Given the explosion in the gaming market over the past decade, a $70 launch price, and a global fanbase hungry for something new, many expect GTA VI to sell at least 30 million copies in its first year — potentially bringing in over $2 billion from the base game alone.
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Rockstar's decision to release the game during the summer — a strategic window with fewer competing AAA titles — positions it to dominate headlines, streams, and digital storefronts for months.
A New Era for GTA Online
Beyond base game sales, the real financial powerhouse will be the next evolution of GTA Online. While details remain under wraps, it’s expected that GTA VI will launch with a revamped, possibly separate, version of the online world — one that builds on the lucrative formula that made the original GTA Online a money-printing machine.
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With modern monetization strategies, including battle passes, in-game purchases, and premium memberships, Rockstar could generate $500 million to $1 billion per year from GTA VI Online alone. If the platform follows a similar 10-year lifecycle as its predecessor, we’re looking at a potential $5–10 billion in online revenue over the next decade.
Total Revenue Potential
When combining physical and digital sales, DLCs, and online microtransactions, GTA VI could easily generate $10–12 billion over its lifecycle, possibly even more if Rockstar supports it with continuous updates and expansions.
To put that in perspective:
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That’s more than any single Hollywood film franchise has earned from one installment.
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It would cement GTA VI as the most profitable entertainment release of all time — potentially beating GTA V at its own game.
Conclusion - A Global Phenomenon
GTA VI isn’t just another video game — it’s shaping up to be a cultural and financial juggernaut. With a firm release date of May 26, 2026, and sky-high expectations from both fans and shareholders, Rockstar is under pressure to deliver the biggest title in gaming history. If the stars align, GTA VI could make GTA V look like a warm-up act — and that’s saying something.
