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 they might push pricing 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 at $100-$150 could be offered, potentially including early access.
According to Tez2, a prominent industry leaker, Rockstar/Take-Two's strategy with GTA VI differs from previous titles. GTA Online and Red Dead Online are sold separately, but GTA VI will be the first to launch with its online component sold independently, while the story mode will be part of a "complete package" encompassing both.
This separate online sale necessitates a revised pricing strategy. The cost of the online component will influence the base price, and the price of a story mode upgrade for those purchasing only the standalone online version remains undetermined.
By offering a lower-priced online version, Take-Two could attract players unable to afford the full $70 or $80 game. This presents a strategic advantage, as these players could then be incentivized to upgrade to access the story mode. This dual-pronged approach also creates a revenue stream from players who desire the story mode but cannot afford the upgrade price.
Furthermore, Take-Two could leverage a subscription model similar to Xbox Game Pass, potentially integrating GTA+ to further monetize the game. Players opting for continuous gameplay via subscription, rather than saving for an upgrade, would generate consistent revenue, solidifying Take-Two's financial gain.
