Not long ago, the price for a AAA video game took a leap to $70. However, that doesn’t seem to deter publishers from eyeing another hike, with hopes that the release of GTA 6 might catalyze this change, according to insights from a video game analyst. Gamers are eagerly anticipating the chance to earn achievements in the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI later this year when it rolls out for the Xbox Series X|S. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for it to stick to the usual $70 entry price.
—
Is Take-Two Leading the Charge for Another Price Hike in AAA Games?
Speculation is rife that some publishers are counting on GTA 6 to set the stage for a further price increase. Rumor has it that a few companies are contemplating pricing GTA 6 somewhere between $80 and $100. The game is slated to hit the Xbox Series X|S in 2025. “GTA VI is likely to have a mixed impact on overall industry playtime and spending once it launches,” suggests Mathew Ball from Epyllion. “It might drastically draw players and spending away from other games, and there are developers hoping GTAVI sets a new pricing benchmark at $80-$100, pushing $50 games to $60, and so forth.”
Though special editions bundled with extras often reach the $100 mark, the typical asking price for most AAA games hovers around $70 since the debut of the Xbox Series X|S and PS5 in 2020. For many players, however, this pricing remains difficult to digest. Even if $70 could snag you a gem like Baldur’s Gate 3 or Elden Ring, there’s always a risk you might end up with a title like Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League or Skull and Bones. As developers push the envelope on what games can achieve, development costs soar — recent figures for some Call of Duty installments were eye-popping. Unfortunately, this comes at a time when many players are grappling with the rising cost of living, making it a tough sell to shell out so much unless the game is truly outstanding.
Chances are high that GTA 6 will justify its price, given Rockstar’s strong track record. However, not all publishers have yet to build such trust with their audience. It’s no surprise, then, that players often prefer to dive into upcoming Game Pass offerings or bide their time for a sale.
Currently, we’re seeing an interesting shift in game availability. Microsoft is beginning to port some of its Xbox exclusives to other platforms, and there’s talk of significant Xbox franchises making their way to PlayStation this year. Meanwhile, PlayStation has already been branching out by bringing its titles to PCs—likely an effort to extend their reach and offset the ballooning costs of game development.
So, what’s your take? Would you be open to spending $80 to $100 on top-tier Xbox games? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
