This will probably be the last time it ever happens. They're trying to get people to double dip, and plenty will, but the console install base isn't what it was when GTA V came out at the end of a generation. Plus we all know full well that the PC version will happen, whereas in yesteryear, we weren't sure.

[–] Kelly@programming.dev 12 points 6 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago) (2 children)

the console install base isn't what it was when GTA V came out at the end of a generation.

I had a look to check the figures.

From the PlayStation perspective February 2025 estimates put the PS5 at 74.9m, while January 2013 estimates put the PS3 at 77m.

However Xbox is really letting their numbers lag with 28.3m Series consoles sold by September 2024 vs 77.2m 360 consoles by April 2013.

If we were just talking PlayStation I would say 97% is near enough to make no difference but if we compare both platforms together its only 67% and that is enough to influence strategy. A console only release in 2025 is unlikely to eclipse GTA5's position as "fastest-selling entertainment product in history".

[–] SkyeStarfall@lemmy.blahaj.zone 13 points 6 days ago (1 children)

But also don't forget that the amount of gamers is larger today than in 2013. Gaming is much more mainstream, and so even 97% of the install base is still disappointing considering steam grew by, what, 3x or something in terms of average monthly users?

Another source I found is that the amount of total gamers grew by roughly 50% from 2013 to 2025. But yeah, I just did a quick skin numbers are not precise

But still, 97% is disappointing considering the general demographic was supposed to grow. And then, in reality, it's just 67% too

[–] DogWater@lemmy.world 2 points 5 days ago

Yeah that's a good point.

If gaming grew and the total userbase is the same now, then it's smaller by percentage.

That must been that PC is just exploding in popularity over the time period in question.

[–] ampersandrew@lemmy.world 4 points 6 days ago

A game like GTA is likely to drive console sales, but not enough to make up that deficit.