Strauss Zelnick, Take-Two CEO, told CNBC his view on where Gaming heads next. He argued the industry moves toward PC and more open platforms, while console-style experiences remain central on big screens. Zelnick confirmed GTA 6 will launch on PS5 and Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S for the initial Game Launch, with a staggered release strategy likely down road. The announcement lands amid Valve returning to a living room PC project and intense chatter about a hybrid next console from Microsoft.
This shift affects developers, publishers, and players. Developers gain more distribution paths and mod support. Publishers gain broader market reach across storefronts and cloud services. Players gain choice. Expect longer tail sales for major franchises and more opportunities for cross-buy or cross-play moves.
Follow Alex, a pro streamer from Ohio, for a practical view. Alex bought a midrange gaming PC last year. Alex still owns a PS5 for exclusives. Alex plans to upgrade home setup when Next-Gen Consoles bring PC-style openness to the living room. His strategy shows how players adapt to a shifting ecosystem.
Take-Two CEO Argues Gaming Is Moving Toward PC While Consoles Stay Relevant
Zelnick framed the future as open platforms growing alongside console-style experiences on big screens. He used past Rockstar release patterns to explain staged platform rollouts. The message sits well with recent industry moves from Valve and Microsoft.
- Developer impact: wider PC tools and mod pipelines
- Publisher impact: staged launches across platforms
- Player impact: more paths to play and longer support windows
For background on console strategy and Zelnick remarks, read this report on Take-Two platform choices. For context on Xbox strategy and PC direction, check this piece on Microsoft plans.
Take-Two platform strategy explained
GTA 6 Launch On PS5 And Xbox Series X|S, PC Release Timeline Questions
GTA 6 will arrive first on PS5 and Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S for the announced launch window. Rockstar has a history of delayed PC ports for major titles. Zelnick noted a historical approach of bringing big titles to platforms over time, not simultaneously.
- What players lose: simultaneous PC access at launch for some franchises
- What players gain: potential polished PC ports and extended post-launch updates
- What to watch: official Rockstar release windows and third party storefront listings
PC players worried about a long wait should track publisher announcements and pre-order pages. For more on PlayStation titles crossing to PC, see this analysis.
PlayStation PC cross buys and port trends
Next-Gen Consoles And Steam Machine Push PC Into Living Room Hardware Trends For 2026
Valve returned to the Steam Machine concept, aiming to simplify PC gaming for living rooms. The new device pairs a refined controller with SteamOS and a compact form factor. Microsoft signaled a hybrid next console approach that blends PC flexibility with console polish.
- Steam Machine move: brings a PC-like option for living room play
- Microsoft angle: hybrid console that acts as a Windows PC when desired
- Sony and Nintendo: different strategies, focused on exclusive experiences
Valve engineers stressed the Steam Machine as another PC option inside a broad ecosystem. For deeper reading on the Steam revival and its goals, consult this report. For Microsoft hybrid coverage, review both Xbox roadmap pieces.
Steam Machine return and design goals
Microsoft next-gen Xbox strategy overview
Next Xbox ambitions and living room PC outlook
How Players Should Prepare For A More Open Gaming Ecosystem
Adjust your gear and subscriptions with a plan. If you stream, focus on cross-platform tools and overlays that run on PC and console. If you collect physical media, use digital storefronts for broader access.
- Upgrade priority: GPU and fast SSD for modern open-world titles
- Subscription moves: evaluate service libraries and cross-play benefits
- Backup plan: monitor PC port announcements and pre-order windows
For a side-by-side look at PC and console strategy, read this guide. For handheld PC options that tie into console ecosystems, check this piece.
PC versus Xbox strategic comparison
Handheld PC moves and Steam Deck evolution
When will GTA 6 arrive on PC?
Rockstar confirmed GTA 6 for PS5 and Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S at initial launch. Past Rockstar patterns point to a delayed PC release. Monitor official Rockstar announcements for a concrete PC window.
Does Take-Two expect consoles to disappear?
Take-Two CEO argued consoles remain important for long play sessions on big screens. Expect console-style experiences to persist alongside a growing PC presence.
What is the Steam Machine revival about?
Valve reworked a living room PC with a new controller and SteamOS. The goal focuses on simpler access to PC games on big screens without a full desktop setup.
Will the next Xbox act like a PC?
Microsoft has signaled a hybrid approach that blends console ease with Windows flexibility. Reports describe an option to switch into a full Windows environment for broader storefront access.