Take-Two Interactive, the publisher of the Grand Theft Auto franchise, was a key player in establishing the $70 price point for high-budget games. Concerns exist that they might push pricing even higher 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-$150 could be offered, potentially including early access.
According to Tez2, a prominent leaker, Rockstar/Take-Two will deviate from previous models. GTA VI will be the first title to launch with its online component sold separately from the story mode. The story mode will be part of a "complete package" encompassing both.
This dual-release strategy necessitates careful pricing consideration. The cost of the standalone online mode will influence the overall price, as will the potential upgrade cost for those purchasing only the online version to later access the story mode.
A lower price for the online version could attract players unable to afford the full $70 or $80 game, creating a potential revenue stream through story mode upgrades. This strategy also presents an opportunity to introduce a subscription model, similar to Xbox Game Pass, through GTA+. Players opting for continuous gameplay via subscription, rather than saving for an upgrade, would generate consistent revenue for Take-Two. This represents a win-win scenario for the publisher.
