Grand Theft Auto 6: A Game-Changer for the Industry in 2025?

Back in 2020, Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games, made waves by increasing the base price of video games from $60 to $70. This shift coincided with the launch of next-gen consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, justifying the hike with improved hardware capabilities. Now, with Grand Theft Auto 6 set to dominate 2025, speculation is mounting about whether Take-Two could take the bold step of raising the base price even higher.

Matthew Ball of Epyllion explores this possibility in his 2025 State of Video Gaming report. With GTA 6 carrying unparalleled hype, some believe the publisher might test uncharted waters by setting the base price at $100. Despite the steep cost, analysts predict the game would still achieve record-breaking sales, potentially paving the way for other publishers to follow suit.

The rising cost of AAA game development is no secret, with some projects reaching budgets as astronomical as $700 million. These ballooning costs have led to financial instability for studios, resulting in closures and layoffs. Against this backdrop, a higher price point for a blockbuster like GTA 6 might be viewed as a necessary adjustment to keep up with the industry’s escalating demands.

Even if the standard edition sticks to $70, premium editions with a $100 price tag seem inevitable. Take-Two is expected to leverage the franchise’s massive fan base by offering enticing collector’s packages.

GTA 6’s exact release date remains unconfirmed, but its impact is already being felt. Competing publishers are delaying their own launches, reluctant to go head-to-head with Rockstar’s juggernaut. While delays for such an ambitious title wouldn’t be surprising, fans eagerly await its arrival on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S in 2025.

One thing is certain: Grand Theft Auto 6 is poised to redefine the gaming landscape, both in terms of innovation and its influence on industry pricing standards.