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Take-Two Interactive, the publisher of the Grand Theft Auto franchise, spearheaded the movement towards $70 pricing for AAA titles. Concerns exist 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 price point of $80-$100, industry insiders suggest a premium edition priced between $100 and $150 could be offered, potentially including early access.
Adding to the speculation, Tez2 notes that Take-Two already sells GTA Online and Red Dead Online separately. GTA VI will be the first title to launch with a standalone online component, while the story mode will be part of a comprehensive package encompassing both.
This dual-release strategy necessitates careful price consideration. The cost of the standalone online component will impact the overall price, as will the potential upgrade cost for players who initially purchase only the online version.
A lower price for the online version could attract budget-conscious gamers, creating a lucrative upgrade path to the story mode. This strategy also allows Take-Two to capitalize on players who may desire the story mode but cannot afford the full upgrade price.
Furthermore, Take-Two could leverage a subscription model similar to Xbox Game Pass, integrating GTA+ to generate recurring revenue from players who opt to continue playing instead of purchasing the story mode upgrade. This multifaceted approach positions Take-Two to maximize profits.