Take-Two Interactive, the publisher behind the iconic Grand Theft Auto series, has been at the forefront of advocating for a $70 price point for AAA video game releases. With the much-anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) on the horizon, there is speculation that Take-Two might explore even higher pricing strategies. While the standard edition of GTA 6 is expected to remain around the $70 mark, rumors suggest that a premium edition could be priced between $100 and $150, potentially offering perks such as early access to the game.
Insider Tez2 has shed light on Take-Two and Rockstar Games' evolving business model. Historically, both GTA Online and Red Dead Online were sold as separate components post-launch. However, GTA 6 will mark a significant shift, with the online mode available as a standalone purchase at launch, while the story mode will be bundled into a "complete package" that includes both components.
This new approach raises questions about pricing dynamics. How much of the base price will be attributed to the online component? Additionally, what will be the cost for players who purchase the standalone GTA 6 Online and later wish to upgrade to the story mode? By potentially lowering the price of the online version, Take-Two could attract a broader audience, including those unable to afford the full $70 or $80 game. This strategy could entice players to eventually upgrade to access the story mode, creating a pathway for additional revenue.
Furthermore, Take-Two could leverage a subscription model similar to Xbox Game Pass with their GTA+ service. This would encourage ongoing engagement from players who might otherwise save up for a one-time upgrade, thereby generating continuous income for the company. In this scenario, Take-Two could see increased profitability by catering to different segments of their player base while maintaining a flexible pricing structure.