GTA 6 pricing predicted to hit $80 to $100 amid rising development costs

Industry analysts suggest that Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6), the much-anticipated sequel to 2013’s GTA 5, may break price norms for video games by costing between $80 and $100. This prediction, made by Epyllion CEO Matthew Ball, highlights the potential for the game to set new pricing standards amid increasing development costs.

In a recent report on gaming trends for 2025, Ball indicated that Rockstar’s upcoming blockbuster could “re-establish packed video game prices” after decades of price stagnation. He noted that video game prices, when adjusted for inflation, are historically low. A $70 price point for GTA 6, he argued, would, in real terms, make it the “cheapest” title in the franchise, with $91 being the inflation-adjusted average price. Ball attributed this stagnation to a combination of rising budgets and slower player growth, suggesting GTA 6 could be a turning point for the industry.

Scheduled for release in fall 2025 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, GTA 6 is expected to be the largest entertainment launch in history, with projected first-year revenue of $3 billion, including $1 billion in pre-orders. Its sheer scale and popularity could justify a higher price point, according to analysts.

However, this speculation has sparked debate. Michael Douse, publishing director at Larian Studios, reacted on social media, emphasizing the disparity between stagnant game prices and inflation-adjusted costs. He argued that while higher prices might address inflation, developers bear a responsibility to ensure that their games live up to player expectations and justify the investment.

As video game budgets soar and industry growth slows, GTA 6 could set a precedent for higher prices. Whether Rockstar will push past the $70 standard remains an open question, fueling further discussion about the value of modern gaming.