Grand Theft Auto 6's impending release has sparked speculation about its performance on various platforms, including the Steam Machine. Given Rockstar's track record with PC ports, there are both hopes for scalability and concerns over SteamOS compatibility, particularly with GTA Online. Here's a breakdown of what to expect:
Quick Facts — Grand Theft Auto 6
| Developer | Universal Studios Hollywood Hub |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Take Two |
| Platform(s) | PS5, PC, Xbox 360, PS3 |
The PC version of GTA 6, while inevitable, will likely follow the traditional Rockstar pattern of a delayed release after console versions for PS5, Xbox 360, and PS3. This approach, as noted by Take Two CEO Strauss Zelnick, focuses on the "core audience" on consoles first. But Zelnick also acknowledged that "PC can make up around 50% of a game’s sales these days," indicating a significant market that might prompt a shorter wait than the two-year gap seen with GTA 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2.
"focus on its core audience – whatever that means – on consoles"
Strauss Zelnick
Rockstar's $100 Million Gamble on SteamOS
Rockstar's recent titles, such as Red Dead Redemption 2 and GTA 5 Enhanced Edition, have demonstrated impressive scalability on PC. Red Dead Redemption 2, for example, can run on a wide range of hardware thanks to its numerous graphics options and the Vulkan engine, achieving 65 fps on the Steam Machine at 4K with mixed settings. Similarly, GTA 5 Enhanced Edition runs smoothly at 60-70 fps on the Steam Machine with the high preset and ray tracing enabled.
This scalability bodes well for GTA 6's potential performance on the Steam Machine, despite the console being "slightly slower than the PS5 most of the time." The Steam Machine's $1049 price point and the ability to adjust graphics settings could make it a viable option for playing GTA 6, though the game's demands might require lowering settings compared to console counterparts.
GTA 6's Steam Deck Gambit Risks
A significant hurdle for GTA 6 on the Steam Machine could be SteamOS compatibility, particularly with GTA Online. Current issues with GTA 5 on SteamOS, where the game is marked as unsupported for online play due to BattlEye Anti-Cheat requirements, foreshadow potential problems. Since Linux accounts for only 3.9% of Steam’s install base, Rockstar might not prioritize a workaround, potentially limiting Steam Machine users to single-player mode.
"PC can make up around 50% of a game’s sales these days"
Strauss Zelnick
GTA 6’s Steam Machine Gambit
For those eager to play GTA 6 on the Steam Machine, the outlook is mixed. On the positive side, the game's scalability, as seen in Rockstar's other titles, suggests that with the right settings, GTA 6 could provide a smooth gaming experience. But the limitations imposed by SteamOS and the reliance on BattlEye Anti-Cheat for GTA Online cast a shadow over the full gaming experience on this platform.
GTA 6's Steam Machine Nightmare
Ultimately, while GTA 6 will likely run on the Steam Machine, the extent of its compatibility, especially with GTA Online, remains uncertain. Players should keep an eye on Rockstar's updates regarding PC specifications and any efforts to address SteamOS incompatibilities. For now, the wait begins, with hopes that the scalability of GTA 6 will outweigh the challenges posed by the Steam Machine's platform limitations.
