GTA 6 Predicted to Conquer 2026 Sales Charts, Dwarfing Call of Duty

The gaming world is buzzing with anticipation, and it seems industry analysts are already crowning a king for 2026. A recent report from market research firm Omdia has sent shockwaves through the industry, projecting that Grand Theft Auto 6 will not only be one of the biggest releases in recent memory but is set to become the single highest-selling premium game of 2026, potentially unseating the long-reigning champion, Call of Duty.

This bold prediction isn't made lightly. While GTA 6 is widely expected to launch sometime in 2025, Omdia's forecast zeroes in on its monumental impact throughout the following year. For decades, the Call of Duty franchise has been a seemingly unshakeable force, consistently dominating annual sales charts and setting benchmarks for commercial success. The idea of any game, even one as highly anticipated as GTA 6, surpassing it in a direct comparison speaks volumes about the sheer scale of Rockstar's upcoming title.

The confidence in GTA 6's sales potential stems from several factors. Firstly, the legacy of its predecessor, Grand Theft Auto V, is unparalleled. Having sold an astonishing 195 million units globally and continuing to move copies a decade after its initial release, GTA V established an almost mythical precedent for what a Grand Theft Auto game can achieve. Red Dead Redemption 2, another Rockstar behemoth, also boasts impressive sales figures of over 61 million units, further solidifying the developer's track record for creating generation-defining blockbusters.

Furthermore, Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar's parent company, has already hinted at an unprecedented financial surge. They've projected over $8 billion in net bookings for their fiscal year 2025 (ending March 2025). While not explicitly tied to GTA 6, this massive forecast has been widely interpreted by analysts as a strong indicator of the game's launch within that period and its immediate, explosive commercial success.

The initial reveal of GTA 6's first trailer underscored the overwhelming global excitement. It shattered YouTube records, becoming the most-watched video game reveal in history within 24 hours and sparking countless theories and discussions across the internet. This unprecedented hype machine suggests that when GTA 6 finally arrives, it won't just be a game; it will be a cultural event.

Omdia's report specifically focuses on "premium game sales," distinguishing it from free-to-play titles. This ensures a direct comparison between two of the industry's biggest paid franchises. The prospect of Call of Duty, a franchise that has almost single-handedly defined yearly blockbusters, being relegated to the number two spot by GTA 6 in 2026 is a testament to the immense power and anticipation surrounding Rockstar's next masterpiece. It signals not just a successful launch, but a sustained, record-breaking performance that could redefine what is possible in the gaming market.