Grand Theft Auto 6 is one of the most-anticipated games in history, with analysts predicting a potential price tag of $100. However, Michael Douse, a developer at Larian, says that companies are “saying the quiet part out loud” when it comes to pricing. In a recent report, Douse notes that game prices have not risen with inflation and that charging more would unlikely reduce layoffs in the industry.
The $70 standard for triple-A games came into effect a few years ago, but some of the best-selling games were released at lower prices, such as Helldivers 2 and Palworld. Now, analysts are wondering if GTA 6 will push video games to be even more expensive. Douse argues that companies would love to charge more for games, but there is a limit to what people are willing and able to pay.
Douse also notes that the responsibility of a game developer is to make sure the game lives up to its promise and invests player money wisely. He hopes that Take-Two doesn’t gouge players for GTA 6 and sets a new precedent, instead opting for premium versions with extras or maintaining the existing revenue stream from GTA Online.
The industry’s reliance on exponential growth means companies are unlikely to reduce prices, especially when it comes to high-profile games like GTA 6. Douse suggests that Take-Two will likely generate additional revenue through premium versions and in-game purchases, rather than increasing the base price of the game.
Source: https://www.gamesradar.com/games/grand-theft-auto/as-some-analysts-hope-gta-6-will-normalize-usd100-games-one-baldurs-gate-3-dev-points-out-that-prices-havent-risen-with-inflation