The hype for

GTA 6

is at its peak, and along with it is the speculation about how much it could cost. Some speculations point to the fact that the game might be priced above $100, which would make it one of the priciest video games to be released. Although Rockstar Games hasn't agreed on this, speculation is based on the game's vast scope, superior technology, and interaction with GTA Online. Here's a rundown of why GTA 6 could have a premium price and what it would mean for gamers.

Industry experts such as Michael Pachter of Wedbush Securities have theorized that GTA 6 may cost as much as $100 or more. This is grounded on the rising

AAA game development costs

, the feature-rich content of GTA 6, and its possible redefinition of open-world gaming.

Over the past few years, the price of AAA games has consistently increased, with most new titles coming out at $70 rather than the former $60 norm. If GTA 6 exceeds past production budgets and offers a revolutionary experience, Rockstar can maybe afford to charge $100, setting a new gaming industry precedent.

Rockstar is vowing to deliver the deepest, most engrossing and largest open-world environment in Grand Theft Auto's history. Emerging AI, the next-generation rendering engine, and dynamic environments have the potential to add greatly to development costs and, as such, the game's retail cost.

One possible avenue of offsetting a higher cost is via GTA Online rewards. Speculation dictates that Rockstar might provide early purchasing bonuses on in-game currencies or unique benefits, so long-term players have an incentive in buying it straightaway.

Rockstar Games has always made gigantic amounts of money through GTA Online's microtransactions and in-game purchases. This way of making money is set to persist, which also means that GTA 6's actual profitability could be through repeated transactions rather than solely the upfront purchase price.
Although the $100 price point is speculative, GTA 6 will be a high-end gaming experience, which would be worth the higher price with its innovative features and heavy crossover with GTA Online. Whether or not this is the pricing strategy that Rockstar will implement, the value of the game will ultimately be realized in whether or not it lives up to its innovations and immersive gameplay promises.
Also Read: The impact of GTA 6's trailer: Breaking records and setting expectations