Hype around GTA 6: Xbox records historic pre-order numbers

Xbox reports record pre-orders for Grand Theft Auto 6 ahead of November release

With Grand Theft Auto 6 set to launch on November 19, pre-release excitement is building — and Microsoft says its Xbox platform is seeing unusually strong demand. Xbox Strategy Director Matthew Ball confirmed that pre-order volumes on Xbox are "breaking the company's internal records," even as Sony runs an extensive PlayStation marketing push for the game.

Ball responded directly to suggestions that the PlayStation 5 would dominate pre-orders, saying Microsoft is "very pleased" with the momentum on Xbox. He added that the platform’s share of pre-orders matches its current console market share, and suggested the coming fall will bring further gains for the company.

As the release date approaches — with less than two months remaining — Ball expects the flow of purchases to accelerate.