The Director of Publishing for Baldur’s Gate 3 predicts that when GTA 6 is released, it may have a higher price tag than any other AAA game currently on the market.
Fans of Grand Theft Auto all over the world are eagerly anticipating Rockstar’s release of more details about GTA 6 before its scheduled debut in Fall 2025, including its price.
There has been much speculation surrounding the cost of the game, with some sources even claiming that GTA VI will be priced at a staggering $150, which is more than twice the usual retail price of a standard AAA game at $69.99.
After all, it’s not just players who anticipate GTA 6 to have a higher price tag. According to Michael Douse, the Director of Publishing for Larian Studios, the developer of Baldur’s Gate 3, Rockstar may establish a new standard in the industry with their pricing strategy for the upcoming Grand Theft Auto.
In a post on X, Douse expressed their criticism of Ubisoft’s pricing strategy for Star Wars Outlaws, stating that they were not a fan of the inflated pricing for different editions. They also mentioned their concern about using vague content promises to justify higher prices for ultimate editions, and how this can create a disconnect from the community.
I don’t love the artificiality of pricing structures post retail. Use the inflated base price to upsell a subscription, and use vague content promises to inflate ultimate editions to make the base price look better. It all seems a bit dangerous & disconnected from the community. pic.twitter.com/wPmwDM846z
— Very AFK (@Cromwelp) August 26, 2024
According to Douse, games should be priced according to their quality, scope, and complexity. However, he also acknowledged that the cost of making games should result in higher prices for all titles.
“Given the rising costs of game development, it may be necessary for the base price of games to increase. However, rather than relying on the promise of DLC, it will likely be the quality and communication of the game that will lead to higher prices. Many are anticipating that GTA 6 will set the precedent for this change.”
Almost all games should cost more at a base level because the cost of making them (inflation, for one) is outpacing pricing trends. But I don’t think we’ll get there with DLC promises so much as quality & communication. Everyone’s just waiting for GTA6 to do it lol.
— Very AFK (@Cromwelp) August 26, 2024
It is uncertain if Rockstar will ultimately choose to sell GTA 6 at a higher price than the average AAA game. The CEO of Rockstar’s parent company briefly mentioned pricing in a 2024 interview.
According to Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick, our main priority is to provide our customers with more value than what they pay for. This is the standard we use when setting prices, ensuring that the consumer receives an exceptional experience that exceeds the cost. Our ultimate goal is to always deliver above and beyond for our customers.
It remains to be seen how GTA 6 will be priced, however with the game’s scheduled release in Fall 2025, fans may not have to wait much longer for pre-orders to open. There are rumors that a second trailer will be released before the end of 2024, potentially revealing both the pricing and a definitive release date.
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