A recent analysis by entertainment industry expert Matthew Ball suggests that Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) could be priced at $100, sparking industry concerns about the impact on game pricing and consumer behavior. However, most experts disagree with this idea, citing various reasons such as the already high prices of other AAA games and the potential for “gouging” consumers.
Ball’s presentation notes that if GTA 6 is priced above $70, it could help lower-priced titles move up to higher price points, but this does not necessarily mean a $10-30 increase would be beneficial. The analyst also highlights the issue of inflation, which has led to AAA games being priced at an average of $70.
However, many experts argue that this approach is flawed due to the presence of microtransactions and special editions, which already generate significant revenue for games like GTA Online. Furthermore, players now have to pay additional subscription fees on top of the game itself, making it more challenging for developers to justify higher prices.
Industry insiders like Larian’s Michael Douse also express skepticism about the idea, citing the lack of evidence that consumers are not price-sensitive and the potential consequences of setting a high price point. Douse notes that “leaping to $100 when quality can’t be trusted would be suicide” for game developers.
In conclusion, while some may speculate about GTA 6’s pricing, it is unlikely that the game will surpass $70, especially without evidence to support its higher price point. Industry experts agree that the current market conditions and consumer behavior make this approach impractical and potentially damaging to consumers.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2025/01/20/the-old-gta-6-could-be-100-comet-has-circled-back-around