Take-Two Interactive, the publisher behind the iconic Grand Theft Auto series, has been at the forefront of setting a new standard with a "$70" price tag for AAA video game releases. As anticipation builds for Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6), there's growing speculation about its pricing strategy. While the base version of GTA 6 might remain at the $70 mark and not escalate to $80-100, insiders suggest that Take-Two could introduce a deluxe edition priced between $100 and $150, which would include perks like early access.
According to Tez2, a well-known insider, Rockstar Games and Take-Two have previously offered standalone online components for GTA Online and Red Dead Online. However, GTA 6 will mark a significant shift by launching with a separate online component right from the start. The complete package will encompass both the story mode and the online mode. This approach raises questions about the pricing structure: How much of the base price will be attributed to the online component? And what will be the cost of upgrading to the story mode for those who initially purchase the standalone GTA 6 Online?
By potentially offering the online version at a lower price point, Take-Two could attract a broader audience, including gamers who find the $70 or $80 price tag prohibitive. This strategy could be advantageous as these players might later opt to upgrade for access to the story mode. Yet, it also presents a unique opportunity for players who might desire the story mode but find the upgrade cost challenging.
To capitalize on this, Take-Two could implement a subscription model akin to Game Pass, integrating GTA+. This would encourage players to continue engaging with the game rather than saving up for a one-time upgrade. Continuous engagement through subscriptions could prove more lucrative for Take-Two in the long run, ensuring a steady revenue stream from players who might otherwise delay or forgo the upgrade.