Take-Two Sets Price for “Grand Theft Auto VI”
Take-Two Interactive Software has announced that “Grand Theft Auto VI” will be priced at $79.99, maintaining its release date of November 19. This news brings excitement to fans eagerly awaiting the game’s launch after several delays.
This price elevates “GTA VI” to one of the most expensive base prices for a major video game, exceeding the long-standing $69.99 price point set by popular titles like Sony’s “Ghost of Yōtei” and Nintendo’s “Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.”
Furthermore, for those willing to spend more, the “Ultimate Edition” will be available for $99.99, featuring exclusive vehicles, weapons, and apparel tied into the game’s narrative involving protagonists Jason and Lucia.
In response, Take-Two’s stock experienced a nearly 3% increase in premarket trading.
Joost van Dreunen, a gaming professor at NYU’s Stern School of Business, commented that the pricing is unlikely to impact sales significantly, suggesting that “$80 is a rounding error against the anticipation.”
He also noted that this could establish a new standard for blockbuster game pricing, particularly among companies with few competitors, while widening the disparity between major and mid-tier publishers. “GTA VI doesn’t lift all prices but widens the gap between the haves and the have-nots,” he remarked.
Fans have been awaiting “GTA VI” for over ten years, with analysts predicting it to be a massive success raking in billions in sales shortly after launch, thanks to the franchise’s loyal following and Rockstar Games’ solid reputation.
The last installment, “Grand Theft Auto V,” launched in 2013 and has sold around 230 million copies, making it one of the highest-selling games in history.
The release of “GTA VI” is vital not only for Take-Two but also for the broader gaming industry, as the franchise usually stimulates console and PC upgrades.
Take-Two indicated that pre-orders for “GTA VI” will commence on June 25. Those who pre-order prior to November 20 will receive the Vintage Vice City Pack of retro in-game items, and digital purchasers will enjoy a complimentary month of GTA+, a membership that offers exclusive in-game benefits and access to “GTA V” and other titles.
Unveiled in late 2023, the game features a trailer boasting nearly 300 million views on YouTube, showcasing a dynamic duo reminiscent of “Bonnie and Clyde” navigating a fictional Miami, referred to as “Vice City.”
