GTA 6 Expected to Run at Locked 30FPS on Consoles at Launch, According to Industry Insider

In a recent podcast that has since been removed, Mike York, a seasoned animator who has worked on prominent titles like Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption 2, revealed his expectations for the performance of Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) on consoles. According to York, the highly anticipated game is likely to run at a locked 30 frames per second (FPS) on both PlayStation 5 (PS5) and Xbox Series X at launch.

York elaborated that while Rockstar Games would optimize the game to ensure the frame rate stays at 30FPS without dipping below that threshold, it could see some fluctuation, with the game potentially running at higher frame rates like 40 or 50 FPS in some instances. However, he does not foresee the game reaching 60FPS on consoles at launch, unless aided by advanced upscaling techniques, such as those used by PlayStation for certain games. York also suggested that once the game is available on PC, it could receive further optimizations to support a consistent 60FPS, especially as new graphics cards become available.

Expectations Reflect Past Launch Trends

York’s prediction follows a pattern observed in Rockstar's previous releases. GTA V, initially launched in 2013, ran at 30FPS on last-generation consoles (PS3 and Xbox 360) and later received an upgrade to 60FPS when it made its way to PS5 and Xbox Series X. Given this history, it is expected that GTA 6 may follow suit and see a similar upgrade path in the future.

York emphasized that while 60FPS would be desirable, Rockstar's primary focus will likely be on delivering an exceptional gaming experience at 30FPS, especially during the initial release. The CPU-heavy nature of Rockstar games, due to their detailed simulations, may also play a significant role in limiting the potential for 60FPS at launch.

Community Reactions

The revelation has sparked a wide range of reactions within the gaming community. Some players expressed understanding, noting that even the PS5 Pro may struggle to achieve 60FPS at launch. Others pointed out that Rockstar’s focus on simulation and world-building could make achieving a higher frame rate at launch challenging, given the heavy CPU demands.

One user remarked that it’s unrealistic to expect a 60FPS launch, considering the complex nature of Rockstar's games, while another questioned whether any of the developer’s games have ever hit 60FPS right out of the gate.

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As the discussion continues to unfold, it remains unclear whether Rockstar Games will commit to a locked 30FPS experience for GTA 6 at launch or opt for higher frame rates with potential compromises on graphical fidelity. Given the company’s reputation for optimization over time, it's likely that improvements will come after the initial release, possibly aligning with the long-term trend seen in earlier titles.