Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Rockstar’s parent company Take-Two, has suggested that GTA 6 might come with a higher price tag. This is due to the idea of pricing AAA games based on “per hour value,” which considers the number of gameplay hours and the ownership value. Although not officially confirmed, this hints at GTA 6 potentially costing more than the usual Rs 5,000-Rs 6,000 range in India. Previously, Zelnick hinted at possible price hikes, emphasizing the value and extensive content offered by their games.
Pricing Strategy
According to a report by Gaming Bible, Zelnick explained the pricing strategy for the upcoming Rockstar title. He mentioned that the price is calculated based on the expected entertainment usage, which includes the per-hour value times the number of hours, plus the perceived terminal value of ownership. Zelnick believes their games provide many hours of engagement, justifying a higher price point.
Historical Context
GTA 5 was launched in 2013 for PS3 and other platforms, and its PS5 version currently costs Rs 2,799. However, the potential price for GTA 6 may exceed the Rs 6,000 mark or even reach a $70-80 ceiling, reflecting the extensive content and value delivered to players.
Take-Two’s Value Proposition
In May 2024, Zelnick hinted at possible price hikes during an earnings call, emphasizing the company’s focus on delivering great value and more content than what they charge. He stressed that the goal is to ensure players feel they are getting an experience that vastly over-delivers compared to the price point.