The Potential Shift in Game Pricing: A Closer Look at GTA 6 and Inflation Concerns

During my childhood, video games were priced at $40. Nowadays, they fetch $70, and experts are contemplating a possible $100 price tag for Grand Theft Auto 6. A developer from Baldur’s Gate 3 states that companies aiming for this are “voicing what should remain unsaid.”

GTA 6 is undeniably one of the most highly awaited games in history. We are all set to purchase it, and the pressing question that remains is how much we will shell out for it. The standard $70 price for major titles emerged a few years back, yet in 2024, many of the top-selling games remained around $40. Titles like Helldivers 2 and Palworld performed exceptionally well at those lower price points, but analysts are now curious whether GTA 6 could actually elevate game prices to a substantially higher level.

In a report reviewed by VGC, it suggests there might be “hope” within the industry that if Take-Two sets GTA 6 at $100, other publishers could follow suit. VGC points out that Take-Two was one of the first major companies to embrace the $70 price for games, making it a plausible scenario.

Michael Douse, a developer at Larian, comments based on the report, “You’re not supposed to declare this out loud!!!!” Clearly, companies desire to charge us more for games – increased revenue translates to higher profits for them. However, there’s a cap on what consumers are willing to pay. It’s likely many would be ready to spend $100 for GTA 6, but it’s doubtful that any other game would dare to impose that same price.

Douse adds: “A responsible company adjusts salaries according to inflation so their employees can sustain themselves, yet game prices haven’t kept pace with inflation. This isn’t why the industry is facing challenges, but it is a harsh reality. Conversely, game developers must ensure that the titles they present meet the expectations generated by that investment from the players.”

I doubt increasing prices for games would reduce the number of layoffs we’ve witnessed in the industry over the past few years. Corporations don’t just seek growth; they aim for exponential growth. A 5% profit now has to become an 8% profit next year.

Hopefully, Take-Two won’t exploit us for GTA 6 and set a harmful standard. GTA Online already generates billions through its shark cards, and if another version is produced for this sequel—given their lucrative history—there’s no reason the company would abandon that revenue source. They might also likely offer premium versions of the game priced above the standard retail rate, which include extras like additional in-game currency or early access prior to the official launch, a trend that has become increasingly common lately.

Of the ten most-played games on Steam right now, only four actually released last year, indicating that players are still navigating backlogs or engaging with older live-service titles. Many wait for sales or simply gravitate towards cheaper, older, or previously purchased games instead of splurging on new releases.

Hopefully, gaming prices won’t climb higher in 2025. Check out the upcoming video game release schedules to see if there are any titles you’d consider paying $100 for.

I’m Issy, a freelancer you might occasionally see sharing insights on GamesRadar. I’ve always had a passion for