Insider: GTA 6 special edition and additional GTA Online payments can cost up to $150

Take-Two Interactive, the publisher behind the iconic Grand Theft Auto series, has been at the forefront of setting new price benchmarks for AAA titles, notably with the adoption of a $70 price point for major releases. Speculation is rife that they might push the envelope further with the much-anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6). While the standard edition of GTA 6 is expected to maintain a $70 price tag, rumors suggest that a deluxe or special edition could be priced between $100 and $150, possibly offering perks like early access to the game.

Insider Tez2 has shed light on a significant shift in the franchise's business model. For the first time, GTA 6 will offer its online component as a standalone purchase at launch, separate from the story mode. This move echoes the strategy already in place for GTA Online and Red Dead Online but marks a new approach for a mainline title at its release. The "complete package" of GTA 6, encompassing both the online and story modes, will be the premium offering.

With the online component being sold separately, the question arises: what portion of the base game's price will the online version represent? 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 pricing the online version more affordably, Take-Two could tap into a broader market, attracting players who might find the full $70 or $80 game out of reach. These players could then opt to upgrade to the story mode, offering Take-Two a strategic advantage in revenue generation.

This pricing model also opens the door to a subscription-based service similar to Game Pass, where players could subscribe to GTA+ to access the story mode without a one-time large payment. Such a model encourages continuous engagement, potentially leading to higher long-term revenue as players choose to play rather than save for an upgrade. In this scenario, Take-Two stands to benefit significantly from the sustained player interest and participation.