In a recent interview, Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive, offered a nuanced perspective on the evolving gaming landscape. Speaking to CNBC, Zelnick asserted that while traditional gaming consoles are here to stay, the industry is increasingly gravitating toward personal computers. ‘I think it’s moving towards PC and business is moving towards open rather than closed,’ Zelnick said, highlighting a shift from proprietary console ecosystems to more flexible PC platforms.

This view comes amid broader industry trends, where PC gaming has seen explosive growth. According to a report from Sensor Tower cited in GAM3S.GG, PC and console gaming achieved 1.1 billion downloads in 2025, with Steam sales reaching record highs. Zelnick’s comments align with this data, suggesting that PCs offer greater openness for developers and players alike, potentially reshaping how games are created and consumed.

The Console’s Enduring Appeal

Despite the PC surge, Zelnick emphasized that consoles aren’t vanishing. ‘If you define console as the property, not the system, then the notion of a very rich game that you engage in for many hours that you play on a big screen—that’s never going away,’ he told CNBC. This definition separates the hardware from the experience, implying that the immersive, living-room gaming sessions will persist regardless of the device.

Industry analysts echo this sentiment. A post on Slashdot reported Zelnick’s belief that the industry is moving toward PCs over the next decade, yet consoles remain vital. This balanced outlook is particularly relevant as Take-Two prepares for the fall 2025 launch of Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, with a PC version expected later, as noted in NotebookCheck.net.

GTA 6 as a Market Catalyst

The timing of Zelnick’s remarks is no coincidence, coinciding with anticipation for GTA 6, one of the most awaited titles in gaming history. In an earlier interview with IGN in February 2025, Zelnick predicted that GTA 6 would drive ‘a meaningful uptick in console sales’ upon its release. This suggests Take-Two is leveraging console exclusivity to boost hardware sales before expanding to PC.

However, the delay in PC release has sparked discussions. NotebookCheck.net highlighted that despite no confirmed GTA 6 PC date, Zelnick acknowledges PC gaming’s rising popularity. Posts found on X reflect gamer frustration, with many questioning why major titles like GTA 6 prioritize consoles, even as PC hardware advances allow for superior performance and modding capabilities.

Shifting Industry Dynamics

Beyond Take-Two, broader trends support Zelnick’s vision. Techbuzz reported Zelnick’s prediction that gaming is fundamentally shifting away from closed console ecosystems. This move toward ‘open’ systems could democratize game development, allowing smaller studios to thrive without console-specific constraints.

Shacknews quoted Zelnick as saying traditional console gaming ‘will ever go away,’ but PC growth is undeniable. This is backed by market forecasts; for instance, an X post from analyst Zuby_Tech projected PlayStation 5 as the top-selling console in 2025 with over 40% market share, while Xbox sales decline, potentially pushing more gamers toward PC alternatives.

PC Gaming’s Technological Edge

PCs offer advantages that consoles struggle to match, such as upgradable hardware and vast libraries via platforms like Steam. HotHardware discussed how skipping PC launches for titles like GTA 6 could miss out on over 40% of potential sales, underscoring the platform’s economic weight.

Zelnick’s take on AI in gaming, as reported in CNBC’s October 2025 article, complements this: while AI aids operations, it won’t replace human creativity in hits like GTA. TweakTown described his view of AI as a ‘great thing’ but a ‘parlor trick’ with limitations, suggesting PC’s openness could better integrate emerging tech.

Competitive Landscape and Forecasts

Competition is heating up with handheld devices. An X post from TCMFGames noted upcoming handhelds like Steam Deck 2 and potential PlayStation and Xbox portables, blurring lines between PC and console gaming. Meanwhile, SuperMetalDave64’s X post speculated that Nintendo’s Switch 2 could dominate from 2025, especially with PlayStation and Xbox facing challenges.

PC Gamer reported on Microsoft’s CEO compensation amid gaming shifts, indicating tech giants are investing heavily in PC ecosystems. This aligns with Zelnick’s open-business model, where cross-platform play and cloud gaming could erode console exclusivity.

Economic Implications for Publishers

For publishers like Take-Two, which owns Rockstar Games and 2K, this shift means adapting strategies. IconEra’s forum discussion questioned Take-Two’s PC delay for GTA 6, given Zelnick’s pro-PC stance. Yet, as Zelnick told CNBC, the business model is evolving toward openness, potentially increasing revenue through broader accessibility.

Stock market watchers on X, like user ZaStocks, see gaming stocks such as Take-Two (TTWO) poised for growth in 2025, driven by GTA 6 and PC trends. Electronic Arts leading publishers, per GAM3S.GG, further illustrates how PC dominance could benefit diversified companies.

Consumer Sentiment and Future Outlook

Gamer sentiment, gleaned from X posts, shows excitement for PC’s flexibility but loyalty to consoles for seamless experiences. Pirat_Nation’s X post shared Zelnick’s quote, sparking debates on whether PCs will fully eclipse consoles.

Hunter’s X post reiterated GTA 6’s potential to boost console sales, per IGN. As the industry moves forward, Zelnick’s vision—detailed in his CNBC interview—positions Take-Two at the forefront, balancing console heritage with PC innovation.

Strategic Positioning in a Hybrid Era

Take-Two’s approach exemplifies hybrid strategies. By launching GTA 6 on consoles first, they capitalize on hardware sales spikes, as Zelnick predicted to IGN. Subsequent PC releases tap into a growing market, where NotebookCheck.net notes rising support despite delays.

Ultimately, Zelnick’s insights, as reported across CNBC, Slashdot, and Shacknews, paint a future where gaming transcends devices, focusing on experiences. This evolution could redefine industry power dynamics, with PCs leading the charge.