Microsoft has pushed back against recent reports claiming that pre-orders for Grand Theft Auto 6 on PlayStation 5 vastly outnumber those on Xbox Series X and Series S. The company argues that these figures are misleading because they rely on affiliate link tracking rather than actual purchase data. This clarification matters to buyers who use these metrics to gauge which platform might have better stock availability or community momentum at launch.
Xbox claims record sales while disputing affiliate link metrics
An Xbox spokesperson told Windows Central that the reported numbers do not reflect real pre-order activity. The spokesperson emphasized that Microsoft has seen record-breaking pre-orders on Xbox platforms for the title. IGN initially reported that PS5 pre-orders exceeded Xbox pre-orders by ratios ranging from 6 to 1 up to 8 to 1. Microsoft states that these ratios were derived from clicks on affiliate links rather than confirmed sales transactions.
Grand Theft Auto 6 is scheduled to launch on November 19 for both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The game is a major release for both console ecosystems, driving significant consumer interest in the current generation of hardware. The dispute highlights the difference between marketing metrics based on web traffic and verified commercial data from retailers.
The release of Grand Theft Auto 6 represents a significant event for the gaming industry, as it is one of the most anticipated titles in recent years. Both Sony and Microsoft are competing for the attention of players who are eager to experience the new open-world setting. The clarification from Microsoft aims to provide a more accurate picture of consumer demand across different platforms.
We looked at GTA 6 earlier while tracking major console launches. The game is confirmed to arrive on November 19 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Microsoft maintains that its pre-order numbers are strong and record-breaking, contradicting the narrative of a massive PlayStation lead based on affiliate data.
Source: MP1ST
