With Grand Theft Auto 6 not releasing until November 19th of next year and yet another delay, that gives Take-Two and Rockstar Games plenty of time to discuss all the usual things, including whether or not they'll take the unprecedented but largely expected move of selling GTA 6 for over $70.
We've heard a number of arguments as to why GTA 6 should cost more than $70, including its quality, development time, etc. It doesn't help that Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick hasn't set a price range one way or the other.
What happens if Grand Theft Auto 6 fails?
We all expect GTA6 to rock the world. What happens if you don't?
Now, a new argument has emerged as to why GTA 6 bucks the $70 video game trend: the hype surrounding it.
In a new roundtable interview published by GamesIndustry.biz about the cost of video games in 2026 and beyond, Video Game Insights' Vic Bassey argued that if any game could break the $100 price point, it would be GTA 6.
In particular, Bassey noted that it would be “prudent” or wise for Take-Two to pursue price increases.
“Given the level of hype surrounding the game, it would be prudent for Take-Two to pursue a price increase, but reaching $100 may be a limit too far,” Bassey said.
For what it's worth, Bassey has a solid argument. There may be no game in history more hyped than GTA 6. This is especially true among casual players. As a result, it may be an opportunity for the company to get away with charging you more than usual.
At the same time, Rhys Elliot of Alinea Analytics has a big counter-argument, pointing out that a significant portion of GTA 6's long-term revenue is tied to GTA Online, which erodes it by creating a greater barrier to entry.
“Limiting the target number of users at launch with an aggressively high base price will hinder the critical GTA 5 to GTA 6 player migration and slow the growth of the GTA Online user base,” Elliot said.
But what if GTA Online was free, or at least close to it?
Last November, Rockstar added Grand Theft Auto 5's online component, GTA Online, to its GTA+ subscription service, providing a potential look at how the online version of GTA 6 could be accessed.
The service, which previously cost $7.99 per month, offered a variety of GTA Online-related benefits along with access to past games from Rockstar's own library. But now, as long as gamers maintain an active subscription, not only can they enjoy all the benefits, but they can also access GTA Online as a standalone.
That is, what if GTA 6's single-player elements sold themselves, and multiplayer was either part of a subscription or a cheap purchase on its own? The entire package together will cost you over $70, but on its own, neither element does.
The current one-time purchase price for GTA Online is $19.99. Subscription is free. This usually includes all monthly items that hardcore players are likely to purchase.
Either way, we can continue to expect this type of conversation until official pricing is announced. And it will also be confirmed whether the “realistic towel” will be tested by being ported upside down.
Lords Of The Fallen 2 is already firmly established as the game for all the wrong people.
CI Games' Lords of the Fallen 2 is trying to eliminate any political agenda, but it will definitely have some cute girls.
