Sony is planning its entire PlayStation release calendar around Grand Theft Auto 6's November launch, treating Rockstar's multiplatform title like a first-party exclusive to avoid sales competition. Bloomberg journalist Jason Schreier revealed the strategy during a recent Button Mash podcast episode, noting that Marvel's Wolverine will likely launch in September or October to stay clear of GTA 6's "blast zone."
The PlayStation 5-exclusive Marvel's Wolverine from Insomniac Games is reportedly targeting a September or October 2026 release window. This timing would position the superhero title well before GTA 6's currently scheduled November 19 launch date. Schreier described the approach as Sony treating GTA 6 "as if it were a first-party game to avoid crowding it."
"Wolverine is almost certainly going to come out in September or October," Schreier said during the podcast. "Xbox is almost a non-factor; I'm sure they'll sell millions on Xbox, but PlayStation is the main platform, so it's almost... in some ways it's kind of like a PlayStation exclusive."
Sony expects GTA 6 to significantly boost PlayStation 5 console sales despite its multiplatform release across PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. The company reportedly plans PS5 console bundles that include copies of Rockstar's title, similar to first-party exclusive promotions. Schreier noted that most GTA 6 sales will occur on PlayStation platforms, creating what he called a "blast zone" for competing releases.
Rockstar's development team cannot guarantee GTA 6 will meet its November 19 release date, according to multiple sources. The game remains "not content complete" with developers still finalizing missions and levels. Schreier stated that "nobody at Rockstar could tell you with 100% certainty that they will make it out in November."
GTA 6 has experienced multiple delays since its initial Fall 2025 target, moving first to May 2026 before settling on November 19, 2026. Parent company Take-Two Interactive hopes to launch before its fiscal year ends in March 2027 but prioritizes quality over schedule. The game represents Rockstar's return to Vice City, completing a trilogy of locations established during the PS2 era.
Former Rockstar developer Obbe Vermeij recently noted that the franchise remains "stuck in this loop of about five American cities." The series cycles between Liberty City (New York), Vice City (Miami), San Andreas (San Francisco), Los Santos (Los Angeles), and Las Venturas (Las Vegas). Vermeij served as technical director at Rockstar North during development of GTA 3, Vice City, San Andreas, and GTA 4.
Industry veteran Rich Vogel suggested GTA 6's online component could evolve into an MMORPG based on planned features. Current GTA Online sessions support up to 30 players, while traditional MMORPGs like The Elder Scrolls Online handle thousands concurrently on single servers. Such expansion would require fundamental changes to Rockstar's online infrastructure.
Sony's calendar planning reflects GTA 6's anticipated market dominance. The title follows a 13-year gap since Grand Theft Auto 5's 2013 release, with analysts forecasting record-breaking sales that could overshadow competing titles released in proximity.
Take-Two's next quarterly earnings call scheduled for February 3 could provide additional clarity on GTA 6's development status. Rockstar has historically released trailers or announced delays around such financial updates. The company last shared substantial GTA 6 information in May 2025 with its second trailer release.
PlayStation's strategic scheduling demonstrates how third-party titles can achieve first-party status through market influence. GTA 6's expected sales performance on Sony's platform justifies the calendar adjustments, creating a competitive landscape where even major exclusives like Marvel's Wolverine must avoid direct confrontation.
