Take-Two Interactive, the publisher of Grand Theft Auto, was a driving force behind the industry shift towards $70 AAA game pricing. Concerns are rising that this trend might continue, or even 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 at $100-$150 could be offered, potentially including early access.
Tez2, a reputable insider, adds another layer of complexity: Rockstar/Take-Two already sell GTA Online and Red Dead Online separately. However, GTA VI will mark a first—the online component will be sold separately at launch, while the story mode will be part of a "complete package" encompassing both.
This strategy necessitates careful pricing consideration. How much will the standalone online component cost? And what will be the price of the story mode upgrade for those who initially purchased only the 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 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 who opt to continue playing via subscription instead of saving for an upgrade will generate ongoing revenue, solidifying Take-Two's financial advantage.
