Take-Two Interactive, the publisher of Grand Theft Auto, spearheaded the trend of $70 AAA game pricing. Concerns exist that this pricing strategy might escalate with Grand Theft Auto VI.
While a standard edition of GTA VI might remain in the $70 range, avoiding a price point of $80-100, industry insiders suggest a premium edition priced between $100-$150 with early access could be offered.
According to Tez2, Rockstar/Take-Two already sell GTA Online and Red Dead Online separately. GTA VI will be the first title to launch with a separate online component, while the story mode will be part of a comprehensive package encompassing both.
This dual-release model introduces pricing complexities. The cost of the standalone online component will impact the overall price, as will the potential upgrade cost for story mode access for those who purchased only the online version.
A lower price for the online version could attract players unable to afford the $70 or $80 full game, creating an opportunity for Take-Two. These players could then upgrade to access the story mode. Conversely, some players might want the story mode but lack the funds for the upgrade.
Take-Two could further capitalize on this by offering a subscription model similar to Game Pass, leveraging GTA+. Players opting for continuous gameplay via subscription instead of saving for an upgrade would generate additional revenue, solidifying Take-Two's strategic advantage.
