Grand Theft Auto VI reaches PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S on November 19, 2026. YouTube and Rockstar Games are pairing the release with a worldwide broadcast lasting 24 hours, starting November 19 at 12 AM ET.
Analysts estimate that sales before release have surpassed $1 billion, IGN reported. Xbox and PlayStation have each confirmed that preorders set records for their respective stores. Players can already preload on both console platforms, with access scheduled to begin at midnight in their local time zone on November 19.
Image: YouTube
The Audience Before Launch
The Grand Theft Auto series has drawn more than 900 billion views on YouTube, according to the company. GTAVI videos alone have passed 40 billion views ahead of the game's release.
Newzoo projects first-week sales between $3.25 billion and $5.2 billion, while Variety puts the reported development budget at $1.5 billion. Pocketpair is giving employees an extra holiday so they can play when the game arrives.
Rockstar Games co-studio head Rob Nelson estimates that the main story lasts approximately 80 hours. Jason and Lucia lead a story set within the franchise's biggest planned map, and players can shape their romance and change their physiques through exercise and diet.
Playing And Watching At Launch
Xbox Cloud Gaming supports play on Xbox One as well as Xbox Series X/S, using Xbox Series S graphics settings. Remote Play is supported across PlayStation and Xbox, while PS5 Pro offers clearer visuals and ray-traced shadows.
Both PS5 models get enhanced Tempest 3D audio and quicker loading. The launch is a single-player release without multiplayer, and physical editions supply codes for downloading the game.
RDCWorld will host a preshow on November 18 at 11 PM ET, ahead of a broadcast mixing gameplay, podcasts from creators and original shows. Caylus, Zhong and Kat, Jelly, Rivers, Jake Baldino and Cinna are among the participants, with the broadcast finishing in Miami alongside creators and special guests.
A GTAVI-themed Yoodle on YouTube's homepage will take viewers straight to the broadcast. YouTube Live is adding five Grand Theft Auto VI gifts for a limited time, including animations that put Wanted Stars on streams.
Selected creator livestreams will offer eligible viewers free gifts while supplies last. The GTAVI: Visit Vice City Shorts Effect lets users choose between several scene backgrounds.
During launch week, YouTube Music will feature the official GTAVI soundtrack, including Morgan Wallen's “Last Thing You Need,” on its homepage. A playlist spanning the complete GTA series anthology will also be featured that week.
