“It doesn’t reflect pre-order data” Xbox disputes reports that PS5 violated GTA 6’s pre-order requirement

Among what feels like a deluge of bad news for Xbox right now console price goes up (again) and threatened to close the studioit looks like GTA 6 pre-order sales data has become the next battleground where fans and publications are using to stick the knife. There is currently a special social media post shared from IGN that according to their affiliate data, the PlayStation is outpacing the Xbox in GTA 6 pre-orders by a ratio of 8 to 1.

Windows Central can confirm we’ve received a statement from an Xbox spokesperson on the matter: “This does not reflect pre-order data. We have record orders. People should expect real data, not clicks on affiliate links.”

We live in an age where social media stories often trump established market reality, and IGN to be clear does state in the citation that it is based on own community data. However, it should be noted that while it is true that PlayStation is likely to receive more orders due to its console market share, no one knows specific sales data yet, and relying on affiliate programs from a website to draw broad conclusions about the situation is a difficult tactic.

But it’s one that’s gaining traction as it’s bolstered by reports like this one from this viceand collects significant marks. As it is shared on Instagram, X and other platforms, it will undoubtedly reach the general public outside of the gaming space.