According to Newzoo, the revenue from console gaming in 2026 would remain unchanged compared to the previous year without the release of Grand Theft Auto 6

Screenshot from Grand Theft Auto 6. Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos stand together in front of palm trees and a modern cityscape. Lucia wears a cropped rust-colored jacket and glasses, with her hair in braids. Jason, wearing sunglasses and a tropical-print shirt, stands slightly behind and to her right.

Image credit: Rockstar Games

In 2026, the release of Grand Theft Auto 6 is poised to inject some growth into the console market, which would otherwise remain stagnant compared to the previous year. This assertion comes from Emmanuel “Manu” Rosier, Newzoo's director of market intelligence, during an interview with GamesIndustry.biz at Gamescom 2026. He also noted that the Nintendo Switch 2 is playing a significant role in the market's current performance.

Rosier identified two main factors contributing to the performance of consoles: the Nintendo Switch 2 and the anticipation around Grand Theft Auto 6, which is expected to stimulate market expansion significantly. He highlighted that without this new release, the industry would likely experience a decline compared to the last year.

As per Newzoo's Global Games Market Report, the console segment is expected to see a 5.1% increase, reaching $46.9 billion in 2026. Grand Theft Auto 6 is predicted to elevate full-game expenditure by 17.5%, marking the highest growth among different business models.

Rosier further explained that the launch of Grand Theft Auto 6 might overshadow other titles, prompting many developers to adjust their release dates. He addressed concerns about whether the impact would taper in 2027, asserting that the game's enduring appeal means its influence will persist.

Rosier mentioned uncertainty regarding the future of GTA Online, as Take-Two Interactive has not disclosed detailed plans about the transition between the current and upcoming version. Looking to 2027, the projected release of Grand Theft Auto 6 on PC is expected to be a critical factor for the market. Reflecting on previous releases, he commented on consumer responses to Grand Theft Auto 6’s pricing, emphasizing how leading titles can shift market pricing generally.

"The longstanding anticipation has led to a scenario where pricing flexibility is minimal, as there's only one Grand Theft Auto 6," he said. "While not every game can emulate this, notable price increases can elevate market norms, as observed with indie titles."

According to Newzoo's report, mobile gaming continues to dominate, with a projected revenue contribution of 57% globally in 2026, totaling $121.1 billion. This growth is attributed to enhanced player expenditure and direct-to-consumer platforms.

Previously, Newzoo estimated that pre-orders for Grand Theft Auto 6 brought in $260 million during their first week.