Grand Theft Auto 6 is officially less than a year away from release, and while that news has gamers buzzing, fans shouldn’t be too quick to celebrate. Despite mixed feelings among some gamers, the upcoming launch of GTA 6 is a monumental moment for the gaming industry. Rockstar Games, despite recent controversies, has a proven track record of delivering revolutionary single-player experiences. With the massive success of titles like GTA 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2, GTA 6 could potentially become the most successful video game launch in history.

GTA 6’s Visuals and Scope Are Unmatched

Rockstar has yet to unveil raw gameplay footage, but the screenshots and trailers released so far hint at an incredibly detailed open world. From lifelike wildlife and water physics to dynamic weather systems and immersive underwater environments, GTA 6 is shaping up to be a technical marvel. These ambitious features come at a price, both in terms of development resources and potentially for players.

Will GTA 6’s Price Reflect Its Scope?

One of the biggest questions surrounding GTA 6 is its price point. When the game was announced in December 2023, speculation ran rampant. Some believed Rockstar would stick to the now-standard $70 price for AAA games, while others expected the publisher to push the envelope. With the introduction of an $80 price tag on games like Mario Kart World, many now assume GTA 6 will follow suit.

The Borderlands 4 Comparison: A Red Herring?

Earlier this month, Gearbox Software confirmed that Borderlands 4 would launch at $70 in the U.S. for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. This surprised fans, especially after Gearbox executive Randy Pitchford had previously hinted at an $80 price. Interestingly, Borderlands 4 will still cost over $80 in Europe and the U.K.

Both Gearbox and Rockstar are subsidiaries of Take-Two Interactive, leading some fans to hope that GTA 6 might also stick to the $70 price point. But this optimism might be misplaced. Take-Two hasn’t committed to a uniform pricing strategy across its titles, leaving room for premium pricing on high-demand releases like GTA 6.

Take-Two Has Strong Incentives to Price GTA 6 at $80 or Higher

Unlike most games, GTA 6 could command a higher price and still break sales records. The brand power of Grand Theft Auto is virtually unmatched, and millions of fans are eager to purchase the game regardless of cost. Take-Two Interactive has every incentive to capitalize on this demand.

Charging $80 or more for GTA 6 would likely generate unprecedented revenue, especially if the game is bundled with special editions or in-game currency packs. With no public statements ruling out an $80+ price point, it’s safe to assume that higher pricing is on the table.

Conclusion: Don’t Get Too Comfortable With That $70 Expectation for GTA6

GTA 6 is poised to be one of the biggest gaming events in history, but fans should temper their excitement with realistic expectations. While the visuals and features promise an extraordinary experience, there’s a good chance that players will have to pay a premium for it. Unless Take-Two makes a definitive announcement, it’s best to assume that GTA 6 will cost $80—or potentially more—at launch.

Update: HOLy SHIT.