Grand Theft Auto 6, one of gaming’s most anticipated releases, could push the boundaries of video game pricing with a potential cost between $80 and $100 when it launches in 2025, setting a new precedent for AAA game pricing.
The potential price shift comes as development costs for major titles continue to soar. According to Matthew Ball, CEO of Epyllion, “Many in the market hope for $80 if not $99.99” for GTA 6, suggesting a significant departure from the current $69.99 standard for new releases.
This pricing strategy could trigger industry-wide changes. Ball explains that if GTA 6 breaks the $70 barrier, it might lead to a cascade effect where “$50 titles move up to $60, $60 to $70, and $70 to $80.”
The justification for such pricing stems from unprecedented development costs, estimated between $1 billion to $2 billion. Ball emphasizes that “packaged game prices have never been lower in real terms than they are today — even though budgets are at all-time highs” and developers are consistently outpacing pricing trends.
Michael Douse, publishing director at Larian, offers perspective on game pricing, stating that a game should be priced “accordingly with its quality, breadth, and depth.”
When considering historical context, the original Grand Theft Auto’s $50 price tag from the PlayStation era would equate to approximately $99.83 in today’s economy, lending credence to the proposed pricing structure.
Rockstar Games plans to release multiple editions of GTA 6, including a standard edition likely priced at $70, special editions ranging from $80 to $120, and a collector’s edition that could reach $200. The game is confirmed for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with potential future Nintendo console releases under consideration.
The gaming community remains divided on the potential price point, with some justifying the cost based on expected gameplay hours and content, while others express concerns about accessibility and affordability.
Official pricing details are expected to be announced closer to the game’s anticipated fall 2025 release date.