GTA 6 Download now available on Xbox consoles — has it really launched 11 months early?

Time of India

7 hours ago

Pre-Load, Not Playtime
Official GTA 6 Release Date and Platform Details
Live Events
What This Early Download Really Means
No Signs of Previews or Early Access Yet
FAQs
Has GTA 6 officially launched on Xbox Series X/S?
What is the file size of the current GTA 6 download?
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In a surprising development for gaming enthusiasts, GTA 6 download has appeared on the Xbox Store for Series X and S consoles. However, despite the early access to preliminary files, players are being cautioned not to get their hopes up just yet—the full game is still far from ready, and no playable content is currently available, as per a report by Radio Times.The file now available for download on Xbox consoles measures just around 328 MB, a fraction of what would be expected from a fully-fledged open-world title like Grand Theft Auto VI. This lightweight download consists solely of preliminary setup data, with no functional access to gameplay, beta content, or demo features.Launching the downloaded file merely flashes the GTA 6 artwork on screen before it auto-closes. According to Xbox support forums and developer sources, the file is designed to pre-install base elements so that the final game can be seamlessly added once it becomes available next year.This kind of move is not unusual in the gaming world. Platforms like Xbox and PlayStation occasionally allow preloads long in advance to ease server loads closer to launch.Despite this download appearance, the GTA 6 release date remains fixed for May 26, 2026, on Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5. The title, developed by Rockstar Games, had originally been projected for a 2025 launch but was later postponed due to extended development timelines.As of now, pre-orders are not yet live, and Rockstar has not revealed the official pricing structure, adding to speculation that GTA 6 could potentially become the first mainstream game to cross the $100 price point upon release.As per a report by Radio Times, industry insiders suggest the current Xbox listing is likely a placeholder designed to mark the game's presence in the system's library and initiate automated preloading when the full data becomes available in 2026. While not unusual, this move has sparked premature excitement across social media platforms, with many users misunderstanding the nature of the download.'There's no demo, beta, or early access available,' a gaming analyst based in Mumbai confirmed. According to a report by Radio Times. 'This is essentially a digital flagpole—a signal that the system is preparing for an eventual roll-out, nothing more.'Given Rockstar Games' traditionally secretive approach to new releases, industry observers remain sceptical about the possibility of a beta version or playable demo anytime soon. The company has been tight-lipped about nearly every aspect of GTA 6, choosing to release only limited promotional materials and trailers.While the unexpected Xbox listing has stirred curiosity, it may only serve to underline how highly anticipated the next instalment of Grand Theft Auto remains. For now, fans will have to temper their expectations, even as the digital countdown to 2026 unofficially begins.No, GTA 6 has not launched yet. What appeared on the Xbox Store is not the full game—only a small placeholder file meant for future preloading.The current file available on Xbox Series X/S is approximately 328 MB, far smaller than what a full game of GTA 6's scale would require.