‘This does not represent pre-order data’, Xbox disputes reports that PS5 crushes GTA 6 pre-order demand

Among what seems like an avalanche of bad news for Xbox right now, from The price of the console rises (again) and threat of study closureIt looks like GTA 6 pre-order sales data has become the next battleground that fans and publications are using to stick the knife in. There’s a particular social media post that IGN is sharing right now that indicates that, according to their affiliate data, PlayStation is outperforming Xbox in GTA 6 pre-orders by a ratio of 8 to 1.

Windows Central can confirm that we have received a statement from an Xbox spokesperson on this matter: “This does not represent pre-order data. We have had record orders. People should expect real data and not click on affiliate links.”

We live in an era where social media narratives often trump verified market reality, and to be clear, IGN does Indicate in the quote that it is based on data from your own community. But it’s worth noting that while PlayStation is likely getting more orders based on its share of the console market, no one knows the hard sales data yet, and relying on a website’s affiliate link programs to draw broad conclusions about the state of things is a shaky tactic.

But it IS one that is gaining traction as it is amplified by reports like this one from Viceand is generating significant participation. A commitment that will undoubtedly have also reached the general public outside the gaming sphere, as it is shared on Instagram, X and other platforms.