It’s also informed by the knowledge that reach, loyalty, and scale are differentiating features for big studios and publishers, as the barrier to entry to getting smaller games (though not necessarily making money) continues to fall due to improved development tools and other factors.
On the one hand, you could argue that a $60 or $70 price point isn’t practical for a single player game with that budget and scope. GTA 6. However, this also assumes that the initial purchase is the game’s only revenue stream. Although the title will launch with single player only, it is expected to get a strong multiplayer service with subscriptions, in-game purchases and more, so that the initial purchase is not the only revenue stream of the game.
The demand for this game is so high that many players will probably be willing to pay the relatively high selling price.
Note that this does not mean an $80 price point for all future AAA games. Other games in this category will probably still start at $70, at least for the foreseeable future. We’ll see how long it stays that way.
The industry is already experimenting with a range of prices that reflect the investment level of each game. For example, AA games—titles with modern 3D graphics but a smaller scope and no desire to push the envelope competitively—often sell for $50.
GTA 6 It’s scheduled to launch on November 19th on current-gen PlayStation and Xbox consoles, with the download starting on November 12th. The retail version of the game will also go on sale on November 12th, so those looking to buy a physical box won’t have to wait for the big download on launch day. A PC version is expected, but no date has been given yet.
