Microsoft insists GTA 6 preorders match Xbox market share after PS5 skew report
Xbox leadership has pushed back on claims that Grand Theft Auto VI preorders are massively favoring PlayStation 5. A report from The Verge, per IGN, stated that preorders were "heavily skewed" toward Sony's console, raising concerns about the Xbox platform.
In response, Xbox Chief Strategy Officer Matthew Ball took to social media. Ball stated Microsoft is "very happy" with the preorder performance, according to IGN, and claimed internal analysis shows Xbox's share of GTA 6 preorders matches its share of the console market. He added the title is breaking records for Xbox.
The Verge's original report, cited by both IGN and Push Square, suggested the lopsided preorders were "ringing yet more alarm bells" about Xbox. Push Square notes analysts estimate the PS5 has outsold the Xbox Series X|S by a factor of at least 2:1, and possibly closer to 3:1, which would naturally lead to more PS5 preorders.
However, Sony's aggressive marketing partnership with Rockstar Games is also seen as a major factor. As IGN reports, the marketing has included showcasing PS5-specific features like DualSense controller haptics, custom UI elements, and prominent placement of the PS5 in promotional materials.
GTA 6 is scheduled to launch on both PS5 and Xbox Series X|S on November 19. Neither Sony nor Rockstar has commented on the preorder figures.
