"Ball said "there is hope" that Take-Two will price GTA 6 at "$80 or even $100," which could prove to be a turning point for the video game industry. This could break a "key price barrier" and allow other developers to raise prices as well, he said. Before this, a Baldur's Gate 3 developer said GTA 6 could prompt a shift to more expensive games if Take-Two decides to price it above $70."
And yet Larian, who released their game in 2023, released it for $60/£60, this is £10 under the then retailing $70/£70 standard by big publishers?
GTA6 has the luxury of doing this because if they choose to charge that much, they'll make billions and won't affect because of the sea of people wanting in. However, do you think Capcom will put a $80 price on the next Street Fighter? Fat chance. Both Tekken 8 and Dragon Age Veilgaurd launched at £70 in the UK, 2 of my favourite franchises and I didn't buy one until it was it was at least 40% off and got the other by wheeling dealing with discounts.
The key to breaking that barrier isn't a the single biggest game in the world putting up prices, it's the ability for consumers to comfortable accept spending the money on a luxury item is worth it.
If they released it at £50, I, as someone who's never really liked GTAs might even get it and they'd probably sell more copies than they could dream.
Hmm, pie.
Essay Pro