Take-Two Interactive, the publisher behind the iconic Grand Theft Auto series, has been at the forefront of setting a new standard with a $70 price point for AAA video game releases. As anticipation builds for Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6), there's speculation that Take-Two might elevate pricing strategies even further. While the standard edition of GTA 6 is expected to maintain the $70 price range, avoiding a jump to $80-$100, rumors suggest the introduction of a premium special edition priced between $100 and $150, which could offer early access to the game.

Insider Tez2 has shed light on Take-Two's evolving business model. Historically, Rockstar Games, a subsidiary of Take-Two, has sold GTA Online and Red Dead Online as separate entities from their respective base games. However, GTA 6 is poised to break new ground by offering its online component separately at launch, with the story mode bundled into a "complete package" that encompasses both elements.

This shift necessitates careful consideration of pricing. The standalone online version's cost will be a crucial factor in the overall pricing strategy. How much of the base game's price will be attributed to the online component? Additionally, what will be the cost for players who initially purchase the standalone GTA 6 Online and later wish to upgrade to the story mode?

By setting a lower price for the online version, Take-Two could attract a broader audience, including those who find the full $70 or $80 game unaffordable. This approach has a dual advantage: it not only draws in more players but also positions them to potentially upgrade to the story mode later. This strategy opens up a lucrative opportunity, as some players might yearn for the story mode but struggle with the cost of the upgrade.

To capitalize on this, Take-Two could introduce a subscription model akin to Game Pass, integrating GTA+. This would encourage continuous engagement from players who might otherwise save up for the upgrade. By keeping players actively involved in the game, Take-Two stands to generate a steady stream of revenue, reinforcing their position in the market.