Take-Two Interactive, the publisher behind the Grand Theft Auto franchise, was a driving force behind the industry shift towards $70 AAA game pricing. Concerns are rising that this trend might continue, and potentially escalate, with the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI.
While a standard edition of GTA VI might remain in the $70 range, avoiding a jump to $80-$100, industry insiders suggest a premium edition priced between $100 and $150 could be offered, possibly including early access.
Tez2, a reputable industry insider, further notes that, unlike previous titles, GTA VI's online component will be sold separately at launch, with the story mode bundled into a "complete package" encompassing both.
This dual-release strategy introduces several pricing complexities. The cost of the standalone online mode will inevitably influence the overall price, as will the price of the story mode upgrade for those purchasing the online version alone.
By potentially offering a lower price point for the online version, Take-Two could attract a broader player base unable to afford the full $70 or $80 game. This strategy cleverly positions them to benefit from upgrades to the story mode. Furthermore, those unable to afford the story mode upgrade could be further incentivized through a subscription service similar to Game Pass, namely GTA+, ensuring continuous revenue streams from players opting for ongoing access rather than a one-time purchase. This multifaceted approach presents a significant revenue opportunity for Take-Two.
