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Analyst Explains Why GTA VI Probably Won’t Cost $100

Here’s Why GTA VI Likely Won’t Be Priced $100, According to an Analyst

Recent reports suggesting a $100 launch price for Grand Theft Auto VI sparked heated debate among fans. Wedbush Securities analyst Michael Pachter argued Rockstar might justify such a premium, marking an unprecedented baseline cost for a major release. Nintendo faced criticism for pricing Mario Kart World at $80—could even GTA VI’s immense hype withstand similar backlash?

While speculation continues, Wccftech consulted Rhys Elliott from Alinea Analytics, who contested Pachter’s stance:

A $100 base price for GTA 6 would backfire for three key reasons:

  1. GTA Online’s sustained profits rely on a broad player base. Restricting VI’s accessibility at launch to maximize short-term gains ignores the global economic climate. With inflation affecting spending habits, affordability matters more than ever.
  2. Encouraging migration from GTA V’s active community is critical. Higher upfront costs could deter players from switching, leaving VI vulnerable to competition not just from rival games but also platforms like YouTube and existing titles. Modern entertainment is a zero-sum battle for engagement.
  3. Premium editions with perks like early access and virtual currency (e.g., shark cards) are smarter monetization. Players willing to pay extra will opt for these bundles, preserving the base price for mass adoption. While raising prices seems profitable initially, long-term revenue depends on community retention and microtransactions.

GTA’s commercial dominance is undeniable—V has sold 215+ million copies, moving 358K PlayStation units last month. Though Rockstar could test a $100 price point, it’s counterproductive. As an industry leader, Rockstar will likely align with trends, pricing the standard edition at $80 to maximize reach without alienating fans.

This approach seems pragmatic. A $100 tag would ignite industry-wide controversy, potentially fueling boycott campaigns. While GTA’s cultural impact could withstand criticism, why jeopardize what’s poised to become the largest entertainment launch ever?

GTA VI is slated for release on May 26, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S|X. A PC port remains inevitable but may follow months later, continuing Rockstar’s staggered platform strategy.