Take-Two Interactive, the renowned publisher behind the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series, has been at the forefront of advocating for a $70 price tag for AAA video game releases. As the gaming community eagerly anticipates the launch of Grand Theft Auto 6, there's speculation about how Take-Two might further evolve its pricing strategy.
While the standard edition of GTA 6 is expected to maintain the $70 price point, avoiding a hike to $80-$100, insiders suggest that a deluxe version could be priced between $100 and $150, potentially offering perks like early access to the game.
According to Tez2, a notable insider, Take-Two and Rockstar Games have previously offered GTA Online and Red Dead Online as separate entities. However, GTA 6 will mark a significant shift as the online component will be sold separately from the outset, while the story mode will be included in a comprehensive "complete package" that encompasses both modes.
This new approach raises questions about the cost allocation between the online and story modes. How much will the online component contribute to the base price? Additionally, what will be the price for the story mode upgrade for those who purchase the standalone GTA 6 Online?
By offering the online version at a lower price, Take-Two may attract players who find the full $70 or $80 game unaffordable. This strategy could be advantageous as it encourages these players to later purchase the story mode upgrade, thereby generating additional revenue.
Moreover, this creates an opportunity for Take-Two to introduce a subscription model similar to Game Pass, possibly through GTA+. Players who opt to continue playing the game rather than saving for the story mode upgrade may generate sustained income for the company, ensuring that Take-Two continues to benefit from their engagement.