GTA 6 Preorders Surpass 6 Million, Outpacing Modern Warfare 2 by 148%

Key points

• GTA 6 has sold 6.45 million digital copies in the US, generating $630 million in revenue.
• This is 148% ahead of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2's pre-order numbers at the same point before launch.
• 74% of pre-orders are on PlayStation, with 26% on Xbox.
• The vast majority of pre-orders are for the $100 Ultimate Edition.
• GTA 6 is set to launch on November 19, 2026, for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.

Background

GTA 6 has been the most anticipated game of the decade, with analysts predicting it could sell between 30 and 50 million units in its first year. The game's release has also caused a spike in paid time off requests from US employees, with BambooHR reporting a 9-17% increase in PTO requests for November 19.

How outlets are covering it

All four sources report the same core data from Sensor Tower, but they differ in their emphasis. GamesIndustry.biz and Wccftech focus on the historical comparison, highlighting the 148% lead over Modern Warfare 2. GameSpot and Insider Gaming focus on the raw revenue figures, with GameSpot noting that the $630 million in pre-order revenue is a significant milestone. All sources agree that the data is limited to digital pre-orders in the US and does not include physical copies or international sales.

Why it matters

GTA 6's pre-order performance is a clear indicator of its potential to become the best-selling game of all time. The game's success will also have a significant impact on the gaming industry, as it will likely set new benchmarks for sales and revenue. The game's release will also have a broader impact on the entertainment industry, as it is expected to be one of the biggest launches in history.

What to watch

GTA 6 is set to launch on November 19, 2026, for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. A PC version is expected to follow in early 2027. The game's pre-load is set to begin on November 12, which could see another spike in purchases.