Grand Theft Auto VI is the most anticipated game of the year.
The long-awaited sequel by developer Rockstar Games is expected in the autumn – 12 years on from the record-breaking GTA V.
While gamers excitedly await its release, the industry itself is buzzing with anticipation over rumblings the base game could command a premium $100 (about £80) price point and still achieve colossal sales.
Setting this precedent could lead to other game publishers wanting a slice of the action by increasing their own starting prices.
However, the GTA series boasts two winning ingredients that some other games do not have – brand power and fan loyalty.
Expert research analyst Michael Pachter told Sky News he believes Rockstar and parent company Take-Two Interactive Software will be able to charge $100 with little complaint.
Mr Pachter, a managing director at US-based Wedbush Securities, highlighted the rising cost of entertainment since GTA V was released in September 2013.
He said: “Realistically, video games are the only form of entertainment that hasn’t kept up pricing with inflation.
“Look at movie tickets, concerts, Disneyland, video on demand (VOD) – all have doubled.”
Mr Pachter said the key to “charging” more is to justify the value to the consumer.
He explained: “I expect GTA VI to be fully integrated with GTA Online, and Rockstar can offer premium edition purchasers $100-worth of in-game items – currency, skins, vehicles, weapons, etc – as a trade-off for the higher price point.
“The level of integration will make the in-game items more valuable, and I don’t expect a lot of pushback.
“I think $100 or so makes sense, and don’t expect that we will ever see a $500 game.”
The GTA V release in California. Pic: Reuters
