Presales for one of the year's most anticipated video games have already topped $1 billion, with more than 11 million copies sold before the game has even been released, according to data from a research firm.
Grand Theft Auto VI, better known as GTA 6, is set to be released Nov. 19, but fans aren't waiting to get their hands on the long-awaited game.
GTA 6 has already generated $1.09 billion in presale revenue from 11.27 million units sold worldwide, according to SensorTower, a research firm that tracks sales data. PlayStation 5 accounts for 75% of purchases, compared with 25% for Xbox Series X|S.
Sales surged between Nov. 5 and Nov. 10, according to SensorTower. Players who preordered GTA 6 could begin preloading the game Nov. 10, more than a week
before its release.
Preorders opened in June, but SensorTower's data shows sales accelerating as the launch approaches. The sales tracker was last updated Wednesday, Nov. 12.
Here's what to know about GTA 6, including how to preload the game, its file size and how much it costs.
How to preload GTA 6
Players who want to preload GTA 6 before its release can preorder the game through the Rockstar Games website.
To download the game in advance on PS5 or Xbox Series X|S, players must have automatic downloads enabled and their consoles turned on or set to Rest Mode on PS5 or Sleep Mode on Xbox, according to Rockstar's FAQ.
Players will also need up to 212 GB of available storage space, depending on the console.
Preloading allows players to download and install the game ahead of time, but they won't be able to play until GTA 6 officially launches.
When is the GTA 6 release date?
GTA 6 is scheduled to be released Thursday, Nov. 19.
GTA 6 won't be sold on a physical disc
GTA 6 marks a first for the Grand Theft Auto series: The game will not be sold on a physical disc and instead will be available through digital downloads or download codes.
The franchise debuted with the original Grand Theft Auto in 1997.
Rockstar announced Nov. 3 that fans can also download a free printable GTA 6 cover-art poster and Leonida map from the game's website. A double-sided version will be available for 99 cents or as a free gift with any Rockstar Store purchase after the game launches, according to a news release.
How big is the GTA 6 file size?
The GTA 6 preload requires up to 212 GB of storage space, depending on the console, according to Rockstar.
What is GTA 6?
GTA 6 is the long-awaited next installment of Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto franchise. The game's first trailer premiered in December 2023.
The game is set in Leonida, the franchise's fictional take on Florida, and includes Vice City, a location inspired by Miami.
Like previous Grand Theft Auto titles, GTA 6 is an open-world game that allows players to explore its map and environments. The story follows two protagonists, Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos, a criminal couple whose story has drawn comparisons to Bonnie and Clyde.
What is GTA 6 rated?
GTA 6 is rated M for Mature, meaning it is intended for players 17 and older.
According to the Entertainment Software Rating Board, the game received the rating for:
- Blood and gore
- Intense violence
- Mature humor
- Nudity
- Strong language
- Strong sexual content
- Use of drugs and alcohol
How much does GTA 6 cost?
Here's how much GTA 6 costs by edition:
- Standard edition: $79.99, available for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S as a digital download or physical box containing a download code.
- Ultimate edition: $99.99, available as a digital download for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Watch the GTA 6 trailer
The trailer may contain content that is not suitable for all ages. Viewer discretion is advised.
Several GTA 6 trailers and previews have been released since the game was announced and are available on Rockstar Games' YouTube channel.
In August, "Grand Theft Auto VI: An Extended Look" premiered on Netflix. The nearly 27-minute preview gives fans a closer look at the game's story and PlayStation 5 gameplay.
The extended preview is available on Netflix and YouTube.
Julia Gomez is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY and covers space phenomena, scientific studies and natural disasters. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: GTA 6 hasn't launched yet. It's already made $1 billion
