Take-Two CEO Confident GTA VI Will Overcome Xbox Series S Performance Challenges

The highly anticipated first trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI has captivated fans with its breathtaking graphics, but it has also sparked some concern about performance on current-gen consoles, especially the Xbox Series S. Known for its lower specs compared to the Xbox Series X and PS5, the Series S may struggle with such graphically demanding games. However, Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick reassured fans that there’s no cause for concern.

In a recent earnings call, analyst Clay Griffin questioned whether Microsoft’s Series S could present challenges for GTA VI. Zelnick responded with confidence, emphasizing that Take-Two’s studios, including Rockstar Games, have the technology and experience to accommodate various hardware capabilities.

He stated, "We support the platforms where the consumers are for as long as they’re there, and we find a way to support platforms despite different levels of tech. Our labels are really good at that. I’m not really worried."

Zelnick added that the company is committed to platforms with large audiences, especially noting the continued growth of PC gaming.

"I’ve never worried about where hardware was going. I don’t worry about things over which I have zero control, and I believe in the audience. If you have great properties, the audience will be there, so we focus on making sure we’re present on an array of platforms."

He explained that if one platform loses its value, there’s always another. The growth of PC gaming is particularly notable, with Zelnick pointing out its rise as an open format that continues to expand. Looking ahead, Zelnick anticipates that PCs will play an even bigger role in the gaming industry, saying,

"I do think PC will continue to be a more and more important part of the console business going forward, and that isn’t complicated for us to support at all. We’re selective about the platforms we support, making the tech work when the audience justifies it."

The Xbox Series S has presented challenges for other demanding games. Baldur’s Gate 3 experienced delays due to issues with split-screen co-op on the Series S, which ultimately led to the feature’s removal. Similarly, Alan Wake 2 faced limitations with achieving 60fps due to GPU and memory restrictions. Marvel Rivals also suffered from drops in graphical quality, with resolutions as low as 540p, affecting the visuals. However, with Zelnick’s confidence in Rockstar’s technical capabilities, GTA VI appears well-positioned to avoid similar performance issues on the Series S.