With anticipation for Grand Theft Auto VI reaching fever pitch, the game’s potential price is sparking lively debates in the gaming world. In a recent chat with Variety, Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick touched on the buzz surrounding the cost of Rockstar Games’ much-awaited release.
Zelnick emphasized the company’s goal to “deliver more value than what we charge,” but he remained tight-lipped about the exact pricing details. Speculation suggests a price under $100 could be possible for this highly anticipated release. Acknowledging the trend of premium game launches, Zelnick recognized the practice of offering deluxe editions as a strategy to meet market demands and cover rising development costs.
In 2025, $80 seems to have become standard for AAA games. This trend was set in motion by Nintendo, with Mario Kart World hitting the shelves at an $80 price point alongside the Nintendo Switch 2. As a result, conjecture surrounds GTA VI possibly debuting at $100, given its massive scale and rumored $2 billion budget—far surpassing GTA V’s $265 million and towering over other big titles.
In its Q1 2026 earnings call, Take-Two reported that Grand Theft Auto V has sold over 215 million copies, amassing over $1 billion in retail sales and bringing the franchise’s global sales to nearly 455 million units.
Industry analyst Josh Chapman of Konvoy Ventures forecasts that GTA VI will become the largest gaming release ever. He predicts a staggering $7.6 billion in revenue during the first 60 days post-launch, swiftly covering development expenses.
While Zelnick didn’t disclose the final price for GTA VI, Chapman speculates the game will debut at $80. However, some believe a $100 price could risk alienating players, particularly those loyal to GTA Online, which remains a lucrative venture for Take-Two. Rhys Elliott from Alinea Analytics also expressed concerns about pricing too steeply.
Zelnick assures that Take-Two is dedicated to providing a “first-class” experience, keeping the community in suspense regarding potential pricing. He mentioned that Rockstar Games would reveal more details as the launch date on May 26, 2026 approaches.
The excitement around GTA VI is unparalleled, with Rockstar under pressure to deliver a refined product following a “painful but necessary delay” from its initial Fall 2025 launch schedule.
