The upcoming release of “Grand Theft Auto 6” has sparked speculation about its price point, with many expecting it to be around $100. This would mark a significant increase from the current standard of $70 for AAA games. The industry has long struggled with inflation, as average game prices have failed to keep pace with rising costs.
In fact, adjusted for inflation, new Super Nintendo games in 1990 cost twice as much as current PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series games. To match the spending power of 2020, games would need to cost $86 due to subscription services making cheaper options readily available.
The gaming sector, which has seen slow revenue growth compared to PC and mobile, relies heavily on console sales. The Nintendo Switch’s impending release is expected to maintain its lower hardware cost advantage, potentially affecting the price of top-tier titles.
If “GTA 6” follows suit and increases prices, it could make it challenging for other consoles to follow suit. Recent failures, such as PlayStation’s “Concord” live service, highlight the risks associated with higher upfront costs. The franchise’s success in generating revenue through its live-service model is unprecedented, making a price increase more understandable.
However, it remains to be seen whether “GTA 6″‘s $100 price tag will spark industry change or remain an exception to the norm.
Source: https://variety.com/vip/grand-theft-auto-6-aaa-video-game-price-point-matters-1236340521