Take-Two Interactive, the publisher behind the iconic Grand Theft Auto series, has been at the forefront of setting a new standard with the $70 price point for AAA titles. As speculation swirls around the pricing strategy for the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6, concerns arise about potential price increases. While the base version of GTA 6 might remain around the $70 mark and not venture into the $80-100 range, rumors suggest that a deluxe edition could be priced between $100 and $150, offering early access among other perks.

According to insider Tez2, a significant shift in the business model is on the horizon. Unlike previous titles where GTA Online and Red Dead Online were sold separately after the initial release, GTA 6 will be the first to offer its online component separately at launch. The story mode, on the other hand, will be part of a "complete package" that includes both the online and single-player experiences.

This new approach raises questions about how the pricing will be structured. Specifically, what portion of the base price will be attributed to the online component, and how much will the story mode upgrade cost for those who initially purchase the standalone GTA 6 Online? By setting a lower price for the online version, Take-Two may tap into a market of gamers who find the full game's price point out of reach. This strategy could encourage these players to later upgrade to access the story mode, thereby creating a lucrative upgrade path.

Furthermore, Take-Two could leverage this model by introducing a subscription service akin to Game Pass, possibly through GTA+. This would incentivize players to continue playing the game rather than saving up for a one-time upgrade, generating a steady revenue stream for the company. In this scenario, Take-Two stands to benefit significantly from ongoing player engagement and subscription revenue.