Take-Two Interactive, the publisher of the Grand Theft Auto franchise, was a driving force behind the introduction of the $70 price point for AAA game releases. Concerns exist that this pricing strategy might escalate even further with the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI.
While a standard edition of GTA VI might remain in the $70 range, avoiding a price tag of $80-$100, industry insiders suggest a premium edition priced between $100 and $150 could be offered, potentially including early access.
According to Tez2, a prominent gaming leaker, Rockstar/Take-Two will deviate from previous models. GTA VI will be the first title to offer its online component as a standalone purchase at launch, with the story mode bundled as part of a "complete package" encompassing both.
This dual-pricing structure introduces several pricing considerations. The cost of the standalone online component will influence the base price, and the price of the story mode upgrade for those who initially purchased only the online portion remains undetermined.
By offering a lower-priced online version, Take-Two could attract a broader audience, including players who cannot afford the full $70 or $80 game. This strategy is advantageous because these players could later upgrade to access the story mode. Conversely, some players might desire the story mode but lack the funds for the upgrade.
Take-Two could further capitalize on this by offering a subscription model similar to Xbox Game Pass, potentially through GTA+. Players opting for continuous gameplay rather than saving for an upgrade would generate consistent revenue, ultimately benefiting Take-Two.