Insider: GTA 6 special edition and additional GTA Online payments can cost up to $150

Take-Two Interactive, the publisher behind the Grand Theft Auto franchise, was a driving force behind the industry shift towards $70 AAA game pricing. Concerns are rising that they might push this even further with Grand Theft Auto VI.

While the standard edition of GTA VI might remain in the $70 range, avoiding a jump to $80-$100, reports from various insiders suggest a premium edition priced between $100 and $150 could be offered, potentially including early access.

Tez2, a known industry insider, adds another layer of complexity: "...Rockstar/Take-Two already sell GTA Online and Red Dead Online separately, but GTA VI will be the first game where online will be sold separately at launch, and the story mode will be part of a 'complete package' encompassing both."

This introduces several pricing considerations. How much will the standalone online component cost? And what will be the price of the story mode upgrade for those who initially purchase only GTA VI Online?

By offering a lower-priced online version, Take-Two could attract players unable to afford the full $70 or $80 game. This strategy cleverly positions them to profit from upgrades to the story mode. Furthermore, some players might desire the story mode but lack the funds for the upgrade.

Take-Two could then leverage this by offering a subscription model similar to Xbox Game Pass, incorporating GTA+. Players who opt to continue playing instead of saving for the upgrade will generate ongoing revenue, further benefiting Take-Two.