The pricing of modern video games has been a hot topic and, for some, a contentious issue in recent years.
When it was first announced that games for this generation would start costing around $70, it sparked widespread debate about what is best for the gaming industry.
If we look back to the late 90s, games for the N64 and PlayStation also cost between $60 and $70, so gamers haven’t seen a significant price increase, despite the substantial rise in production costs over the years.
However, this could change with the release of GTA VI.
Michael Douse, the director of publishing for Baldur’s Gate 3, believes that Rockstar Games could charge much more than $70 for GTA VI, potentially setting a new pricing trend for the industry.
On Twitter, Douse expressed that “Almost all games should cost more at a base level because the cost of making them (inflation, for one) is outpacing pricing trends.”
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His comments followed criticism of how many games promise future content and bundle it into “ultimate editions,” charging a premium before the content is even finished. He argues that “a game should be priced accordingly with its quality, breadth & depth.”
So, how does this apply to GTA VI? If the rumors are true, the new Grand Theft Auto installment has cost around $1 billion to produce.
While charging $70 would likely recoup that investment, the massive production cost, along with the skill and talent involved, might justify a higher price point if Rockstar Games and Take-Two decide to go that route.
After stating that “all games should cost more at a base level,” Douse concluded by saying, “I don’t think we’ll get there with DLC promises so much as quality and communication. Everyone’s just waiting for GTA VI to do it lol.”
And if any game could be released at a higher price and still be accepted by gamers, it’s definitely GTA VI.