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 between $100 and $150 could be offered, potentially including early access benefits.
According to Tez2, a known industry leaker, Rockstar/Take-Two will sell GTA VI Online separately at launch, unlike previous titles. The story mode will be included in a "complete package" encompassing both online and offline components.
This separate pricing strategy raises questions. How much will the online component contribute to the overall game price? And what will be the cost for story mode access for those purchasing only the standalone online version?
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 be incentivized to upgrade to access the story mode. Conversely, some players might desire the story mode but lack the funds for the upgrade.
Take-Two could further capitalize on this by offering a subscription-based service similar to Xbox Game Pass, potentially integrating GTA+. Players who choose continued gameplay over saving for an upgrade would generate consistent revenue for the company. This represents another potential avenue for increased profitability for Take-Two.
