Gaming's biggest event is edging closer, with Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto 6 poised to launch on November 19, 2026 after multiple delays. As far as consumers are aware, GTA 6 will launch on PS5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S, so it appears as though PC players will have to wait longer.
Unless Rockstar has a surprise up its sleeve within its next scheduled announcement, consoles will be the only place to play the highly anticipated title day one, and it's not much of a surprise, considering the behemoth of a task that is developing GTA 6 for one platform alone due to its massive scale.
As a result, primary PC players like myself will likely be turning their attention to consoles to avoid a potential long wait for a PC port. This is a reality I've accepted since the game's announcement, but there's one significant issue that needs to be addressed.
GTA 6 absolutely needs cross-save functionality
Game developers and publishers such as Ubisoft, Larian Studios, and CD Projekt Red have all implemented cross-progression functionality in games, notably the likes of Assassin's Creed Shadows, Baldur's Gate 3, Cyberpunk 2077, and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
Cross progression is integral to allowing players to pick up exactly where they left off, across both PC and console. For instance, if I own Cyberpunk 2077 on Steam and PS5, I can pick it up on a Steam Deck or Lenovo Legion Go handheld on the go and then dive back into my save on my TV when I get home.
This is incredibly convenient for gamers who play titles that are timed exclusives, as users can confidently progress on one platform and then dip into a more complete or graphically advanced version (usually a PC port) without having to start over when it arrives.
That's exactly why I want it for Rockstar's GTA 6. I would hate to buy the game on my PS5, spend hundreds of hours in the main story, and maybe even craft a personal online character (if online is available on day one), only to be locked out of it all when the game eventually comes to PC.
Ubisoft and other game developers have been doing this for years, and if Rockstar followed in the same footsteps, it would only encourage gamers on both PC and console to buy two copies of GTA 6.
I've been quite confused about why more game developers haven't included this for multiplatform games, as I can't think of a single way in which it would harm the developer or consumer.
While I imagine there are likely complications involved due to differences in file formats for saves between PC and console, I'd argue that avoiding cross-save functionality has the potential to actually hinder sales. Some PC owners are already hesitant to buy a console-exclusive game at launch if they think it will eventually come to PC, and have to start progression all over again.
One can only hope Rocktar is taking notes...
