Take-Two Interactive, the publisher of the Grand Theft Auto franchise, was a driving force behind the shift to $70 pricing for AAA game releases. Concerns exist that they may push this even further 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 and $150 could be offered, potentially including early access.
According to Tez2, a prominent leaker, Rockstar/Take-Two will sell GTA VI Online separately at launch, unlike previous titles. The story mode will be bundled in a "complete package" encompassing both online and offline components.
This separate pricing strategy introduces several pricing considerations. What portion of the base price will reflect the online component? And what will be the cost for story mode access for those who initially purchased only the standalone online version?
By offering a lower-priced online version, Take-Two could attract a broader player base, including those unable to afford the $70 or $80 full game. This strategy is advantageous as these players would then be incentivized to upgrade to access the story mode. Furthermore, some players might desire the story mode but lack the funds for an upgrade, creating another revenue stream.
Take-Two could further capitalize on this by offering a subscription model similar to Xbox Game Pass, leveraging GTA+. Players choosing continuous gameplay over saving for an upgrade would generate consistent revenue, solidifying Take-Two's financial advantage.
