Since uploading the hotly anticipated second trailer for GTA 6, Rockstar Games has gone dark. Fans have been longing for some sort of clue regarding when they will be able to lock down their own copy through presales. Some new changes in the PlayStation Store may have just answered that prayer.
PlayStation Store Updated With Huge GTA 6 Rumour
The GTA 6 listing got the eagle-eye treatment from eager fans who spotted some major changes made to it on the PlayStation Store. A new section for editions of the game appeared on the page. It’s the first major change since Rockstar shared the game’s second trailer and refreshed its site.
Screenshots soon started to pop up on social media of the editions selector showing up on the store page. Some users also reported the activation of a ratings section. However, it appears this is a regional thing and not everybody can see that.
What the Store Changes Mean for Preorders
Adding an editions section usually means there will be preorder availability soon. Publishers seldom add such features without considering an imminent launch. Game publishers tend to have their own predictable logic when it comes to the construction and release of digital storefronts for preorder campaigns.
Observers in the industry have said that similar updates have come before preorders for other big titles. The date and nature of these changes indicate that Rockstar might be getting ready under the hood.
Signs Pointing to Preorder Launch Soon
Here are the key signs that preorders might arrive soon:
- There’s still space left now for various editions of games in the PlayStation Store. This does imply there could be separate purchase tiers when it launches.
- Infrastructure updates to a store normally appear in weeks following the beginning of pre-orders. Publishers need time to test payment systems and make payments go through smoothly.
- Rockstar is known for opening preorders a few months ahead of release dates. This also gives the studio time to measure demand and get distribution in place.
- The studio may try to leverage the hype generated after the second trailer, and interest is still close to its peak today among consumers.
How This Update Compares to Other Store Changes
The GTA 6 store page was updated on the Xbox Store, but only slightly. That listing included a preload button, which didn’t do anything at the time. It was widely belittled by fans as a placeholder element.
This PS store update has purpose and meaning. Selections of editions have meaning in the business, as they enable customers to compare options and arrive at informed choices on what version to buy.
There’s a reason for the difference between these updates. One seems cosmetic, and the other actually implies some functionality will be arriving soon.
What We Know About GTA 6 Release Plans
The final Rockstar-official announcement was that GTA 6 is coming out in 2025. The game will act as a launch title for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S. The release window for the PC version hasn’t been announced yet.
The second trailer revealed the fictional Leonida and Vice City. The characters will be called Lucia and Jason. It is the first Grand Theft Auto game to include a playable female lead.
No specifics were provided by Rockstar in relation to what else gamers can expect beyond these details. The corporate discipline on marketing and issuing messages is very severe. It’s the ultimate tease that whets fans’ appetites while frustrating them with limited information.
Anticipated Preorder Versions & Price Levels
Rockstar hasn’t revealed which editions are coming; confirmation will not come before preorders launch because that’s the way this industry works. There are a minimum of three possible ways you can buy most big releases.
Standard Edition
A regular edition may include the game without an add-on or additional content. This edition is very budget-friendly for those looking to save some money or who don’t like all the bells and whistles.
Deluxe or Premium Editions
Deluxe or premium versions, for example, generally package exclusive in-game cosmetic items and currency. Such packages frequently include things like cosmetic items, unique vehicles, and property discounts. These editions appeal to those who invest a lot in online play.
Ultimate or Collector Editions
Ultimate or collector editions are the highest level editions available. These can be anything from a physical item, such as an art book or steelbook case, to tangible in-game perks. The collectors and franchise serious fans are the ones who buy these editions regardless of significant premiums.
Pricing should befit the current AAA standard of other titles. Standard versions tend to run between $60 and $70. Premium editions can be priced at $80-$100 or higher, depending on content.
Why Rockstar Might Wait for an Official Preorder Announcement
The studio is structured differently from most game publishers. Rockstar is never one to stick with the traditional “mark a date on the calendar, start talking about/hyping up an event X months before” schedule. This has worked in the past across various franchise titles.
Maybe the company just feels like launching preorder availability without significant advance notice. This generates organic buzz and media traction. Random sudden revelations get even more mindshare than organized ones, generally speaking.
Rockstar also never announces actual dates before they’re sure the systems are ready. Order-entry mishaps during preorder launches hurt reputation and customer sentiments. The studio wants everything perfect before opening up orders.
How GTA 6 Preorders Could Shatter Sales Records
Past Grand Theft Auto games have broken entertainment industry records. In the first three days of GTA 5, it raked in more than one billion dollars. The game still pulls in money from online content well over a decade after its release.
The stakes are even higher for GTA 6 and far more known across the mainstream. The franchise has changed a lot since the last game in the main series was released. Hype is at an all-time high, thanks to social media, compared to 2013.
Preorder sales are expected to surpass those of any other video game release, and there are few better set-ups than franchise legacy plus platform install base and cultural impact. Analysts estimate the best results in all areas.
What Fans Can Do While Waiting
Those who want to pick up a copy should look for official announcements by Rockstar. The company is due to announce preorders on its website and social channels. Third-party retailers can also be permitted to share the information.
Enable notifications from the official Rockstar accounts on that specific website, and you’ll know as soon as they post. These channels are likely already available for subscription, so make sure your notifications are turned on.
Having payment information and account details ready in advance can simplify the shopping process. Hot preorder demand can crash servers and cause sluggish page loading when the time comes. Being prepared can help reduce frustration.
It pays to shop around a bit before launch day. Certain shops may even offer special bonuses or rewards. You research options and make informed decisions not only on what to buy but also on where to buy it.
The GTA 6 Preorder Prospects Bottom Line
The PlayStation Store update is the clearest sign yet that preorders are on the way. Rockstar hasn’t confirmed anything, but technical tweaking seems pretty telling. Publishers don’t add edition selectors on the page without good reason.
Fans can be cautiously optimistic for near-future preorder availability. The indications are of action coming in the days to come rather than leaving things for the distant future. However, Rockstar is on its own schedule and operates independently.
One thing is definite, no matter when preorders do finally get underway: GTA 6 will be number one on every chart, and it will break all entertainment records. The only thing left to be answered is when fans will finally get their hands on a copy, and how much it’ll cost them.
So just watch the official channels and retailer listings for that anticipated announcement. If you ask me, I’d say it is sooner rather than later, when you look at what we know now and throughout history.
