Take-Two Interactive, the publisher behind the iconic Grand Theft Auto series, has been at the forefront of setting a new standard with a $70 price tag for AAA titles. As anticipation builds for Grand Theft Auto 6, there's speculation that Take-Two might push the boundaries even further with its pricing strategy. While the basic version of GTA 6 might remain within the $70 price range, not escalating to $80-$100, there are rumors of a special edition priced between $100 and $150, offering perks like early access.
Insider Tez2 sheds light on a significant shift in Take-Two's approach. Historically, Rockstar Games, a Take-Two subsidiary, has sold GTA Online and Red Dead Online separately. However, GTA 6 will mark a first by offering the online component separately at launch, while bundling the story mode into a "complete package" that includes both the online and story modes.
This new model raises questions about pricing dynamics. How much of the base game's price will the standalone online version cost? And what will be the price for upgrading to the story mode for those who initially purchase just GTA 6 Online? By potentially lowering the price of the online version, Take-Two could attract players who find the full $70 or $80 game unaffordable. This strategy could encourage these players to later upgrade to access the story mode, thus broadening the game's appeal.
Moreover, this approach opens up avenues for a subscription-based model similar to Game Pass. By offering a service like GTA+, players who continue to engage with the game without immediately upgrading could provide a steady revenue stream for Take-Two. This strategy not only caters to different economic segments but also maximizes long-term profitability for the company.