For several months, speculation around the price of GTA 6 multiply. The idea that the next blockbuster Rockstar Games being able to cross the 100 dollar mark provokes a reaction. And if the community remains divided, some video game professionals do not hesitate to validate the idea loud and clear.
This is the case of Chris Stockmandesign director of the very first Saints Rowwho spoke to Esports Insider. According to him, Rockstar would be the only studio that could afford such a pricing strategy : “They’re the only ones who can get out of this.”
“I really hope it’s $100”
Stockman’s argument is based on the exceptional quality expected from GTA 6. After the critical and technical success of Red Dead Redemption 2Rockstar has proven that it is capable of delivering massive and extremely polished experiences. He adds: “I think there would be a huge backlash if everyone went to $100. Not all games are created equal.”
He goes even further: “I think GTA is the only one that can pull this off, and I hope they do. I really hope it’s $100. I think they deserve it.” Rare support, going against the grain of a part of the community which is worried about a dangerous precedent for the entire market.
A strategy that Take-Two does not exclude
For now, Strauss ZelnickCEO of Take Twohas not confirmed anything. In recent interviews, he only recalled that his company applied a “variable pricing policy”which would depend on the perceived value and the level of investment.
This leaves the door open to all hypotheses. And if GTA 6 really were to be released at this price, it could set a precedent in the industry. On the one hand, the enthusiasm around the game could compensate for this unprecedented increase. On the other, it could fuel a divide between publishers, developers… and players. Either way, the pressure is immense: Rockstar has no room for error. And the debate has only just begun.