Grand Theft Auto VI Price Rumors: Speculation, Skepticism, and Why You Should Wait for Facts
Rumors about Grand Theft Auto VI’s potential price have sparked intense debate, with some sources suggesting it could exceed $100. While these claims have alarmed fans, a closer look reveals a lack of concrete evidence—and plenty of reasons to remain skeptical.
The Origins of the $100+ Price Tag Speculation
The rumor mill began churning in 2024 when Epyllion CEO Mathew Ball mentioned in his industry analysis, *The State of Video Gaming in 2025, that some developers hoped to price GTA VI between $80 and $100. Though Ball never explicitly confirmed Rockstar’s plans, his comments fueled speculation.
The fire grew when Swiss retailer Swiss Francs briefly listed GTA VI at roughly $112 USD. The listing, quickly removed, was shared widely on Reddit, igniting fears of a price hike. However, retailers often use placeholder figures before official pricing is announced, as seen with Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order estimates that later proved inaccurate.
Nintendo’s Pricing Shift Adds Context—But Not Clarity
Nintendo’s recent reveal of Mario Kart World at £74.99 ($95 USD) for physical copies—a significant jump from its standard £59.99—has heightened concerns about industry-wide increases. While some argue this aligns Nintendo with PlayStation and Xbox pricing, critics question the accessibility of family-friendly games. Analysts have speculated that GTA VI, as the most anticipated title in gaming history, might follow suit or exceed this benchmark.
Yet, comparing Nintendo’s strategy to Rockstar’s is flawed. Nintendo’s pricing reflects its unique market position, while Rockstar’s parent company, Take-Two Interactive, has historically prioritized mass appeal over premium pricing.
Why Experts Doubt the $100 Rumors
Industry analysts have dismissed the $100 price tag as baseless. Mike Piscatella of Circana noted there’s “no real indication” of such a hike, while NYU Stern professor Joost van Dreunen called it an imprudent business move. Their skepticism is rooted in Take-Two’s track record:
GTA 6 was listed for more than $100 by a reputable Swiss retailer before the listing was removed.
— GTA 6 Countdown ⏳ (@GTAVI_Countdown) April 6, 2025
Could tariffs affect video game prices, and would you still pay that much for it? pic.twitter.com/HKC74NHdwF
Historical Precedent: Take-Two pioneered the $70 price point with NBA 2K21 in 2020, but a $30 leap to $100 would be unprecedented.
Long-Term Profit Strategy: GTA V’s $60 launch price allowed it to become one of the best-selling games ever, with ongoing revenue from GTA Online. A higher upfront cost could deter players, undermining the online mode’s lucrative potential.
Inflation Adjustments: While adjusting 1997’s original GTA for inflation brings its cost to nearly $100 today, this isn’t evidence of modern pricing trends.
The Danger of Unverified Rumors
The $100 rumor thrives on fear, not facts. Analyst predictions, anonymous “insiders,” and placeholder listings lack transparency and evidence. Key considerations include:
Placeholder Listings: Retailers often post incorrect prices prematurely. The Swiss leak, while attention-grabbing, was likely provisional.
Analyst Speculation: Reports like Ball’s are educated guesses, not confirmations.
Anonymous Sources: Unverified claims rarely have ties to developers and often serve to generate hype or clicks.
Until Rockstar or Take-Two confirms GTA VI’s price, treating rumors as definitive is unwise. The company’s history suggests a traditional $70 launch, possibly rising to $80 to match competitors. While saving for pricier editions (e.g., deluxe bundles) is reasonable, panic over a $100 base price is premature. In an industry where misinformation spreads quickly, patience and scrutiny remain essential.
Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the launch!🚀
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