High GTA 6 price could make other games more expensive
According to several analysts, games will likely follow the example of Mario Kart World and GTA 6 and set a base price of $80, but only the biggest games will survive this unscathed.
Just like Mario Kart World before it, the price of GTA 6 is raising serious questions for those worried about rising video game costs. Will $80 become the new standard? Not necessarily, say some analysts, but such prices will become significantly more common in the months and years following GTA 6’s November release.
GTA 6 and Super Mario establish premium games
Generally speaking, not every game will easily launch for $80. Grand Theft Auto and Super Mario can do it because, well, they are Grand Theft Auto and Super Mario. Rockstar Games is continuing a precedent – offering the most sought-after games with a dedicated fan base this way. The industry is moving towards a tiered pricing model that recognizes some games simply offer significantly more value than others.
“Gaming is increasingly becoming a luxury category. […] Historically, the economics of the market were based on the principle of ‘the winner gets the biggest share,’ and GTA 6 raises the bar once again. Publishers who clear this hurdle will further extend their lead, while those who fail will instead have to compete in distribution and find new channels, bundles, and pricing models to reach players who aren’t drawn to the blockbusters.”
Joost van Dreunen, NYU Stern School of Business
Serkan Toto of Kantan Games notes that parent company Take-Two was the first publisher to charge $70 back in 2020. That was an exorbitant price that other companies quickly adopted, “and I believe the rest of the industry will follow suit this time as well – as soon as it makes sense,” says Toto.
