Almost every third player in the USA wants to buy GTA 6. Such interest has been unprecedented

Fans have been waiting 13 years for the Grand Theft Auto V sequel, and new data shows their patience has not worn thin. The analytics company Circana found that almost every third American gamer on consoles and PCs plans to buy GTA 6. No other game in the history of its measurements has had such a high number. And there are still less than three weeks until its release.

A record 29% and talk of a rare moment

The numbers come from the PlayerPulse survey, which Circana uses to track the purchasing plans of American gamers. According to a press release, 29% of surveyed console and PC gamers state they will buy GTA 6. This is the highest value the company has ever recorded for a video game, making GTA 6 the most anticipated game in its data.

Circana analyst Mat Piscatella speaks of a rare cultural and commercial moment for the entire gaming industry. He notes that players have been waiting for the new installment since 2013.

However, two things should be noted. The survey measures intent, not sales, so the true interest will only be shown by the numbers after release. And although Circana also asked PC gamers, GTA 6 will be released on November 19 only on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Rockstar has not yet officially announced a PC version.

GTA 6 could also boost console sales

According to Circana, the launch of GTA 6 will have a significant ripple effect. The release falls just before the Christmas shopping season, and the company expects GTA 6 to boost sales of consoles, accessories, and gaming subscriptions.

Piscatella is primarily thinking of players who have not yet upgraded to the current generation of consoles. Many of them, he believes, might purchase a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series specifically for GTA 6. Rockstar also recently enticed fans by releasing a launch trailer with stunning graphics.

GTA V has remained on US charts for 13 years

The enormous anticipation is rooted in the success of the previous installment. According to Circana, Grand Theft Auto V is the best-selling premium game in the history of its US measurements, both in terms of units sold and revenue.

It remained among the top 20 best-selling games in the USA for 13 consecutive years, from 2013 until last year. In 2025, it was even the third game with the highest number of active players on PlayStation and Xbox combined. Circana adds that for a game in its 13th year of sales, this level of interest is rarely seen in the entertainment industry.

Will you buy GTA 6 on release day?

Sources: Circana, RockstarINTEL