Let’s be honest-ever since Grand Theft Auto 6 was announced, the question on every gamer’s mind has not just been “what’s it about?” but “how much do I need to fork over this time?” That’s not paranoia: with next-gen game prices creeping steadily upward and the industry more comfortable pushing “premium” launches, a price tag nearing 100 euros started sounding less and less like a sick joke. But now, after Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick’s latest musings, we finally have a little clarity-even if it’s mixed with a healthy dose of classic industry doublespeak.
Zelnick’s recent comments claim that Take-Two’s goal is to “offer more value than what we charge.” On paper, that sounds reassuring, but as any seasoned gamer knows, those are classic exec talking points. The company’s pricing strategy—launch big, then discount over time—is basically the industry template these days. Does that mean we’re off the hook for the infamous 100€ tag? Most signs point to yes: both Borderlands 4 and recent 2K titles have anchored at the 80€ mark, and Zelnick heavily implied GTA 6 would follow suit.
But here’s the catch: the “premium price” philosophy is still alive and well. Expect a blizzard of special editions, digital upgrades, and maybe even timed DLC that add layers of cost for the diehards. Remember the days when a $60/€60 blockbuster gave you everything out of the box? That ship has sailed, and Rockstar’s been one of the most aggressive captains steering it.
Sure, 80€ feels “reasonable” when we were mentally bracing for triple digits, but let’s not kid ourselves—this is still a massive price jump from the last-gen standard. Industry inflation isn’t new, but the justification for it usually rests on scale and ambition. And if there’s any studio that knows how to make a game feel big—sometimes almost too big—it’s Rockstar.
What’s actually different this time? GTA 6 brings us back to Vice City but with a modern spin: Lucia and Jason, a Bonnie & Clyde-style duo, set out to make the open-world chaos fresh again. And instead of locking us to a single city, Rockstar’s touting a whole state—Leonida, inspired by Florida, offering swamp to skyline and everything in between. If you’re a singleplayer-first gamer, all this ambition could justify a hefty price tag. But for the GTA community, memories are fresh of GTA V’s online mode devolving into microtransaction hell (and, let’s be honest, a wild exploit playground).
One thing that’s not getting enough attention: at launch, GTA 6 is set for PS5 and Xbox Series, but PC players are shut out, at least initially. If you remember the years-long lag before GTA V hit PC (and the modding renaissance that followed), this is deja vu with extra salt. Rockstar’s approach to PC launches has always been frustratingly conservative, and there’s no sign that will change here—no confirmed PC release, and definitely no window for Switch 2. That means a big chunk of the most passionate (and creative) GTA fanbase will be forced to sit on the sidelines for who knows how long.
So, is 80€ “fair” for GTA 6? If Rockstar actually delivers the kind of transformative, genre-defining experience they’re teasing, maybe—just maybe. But given recent trends—from live-service bloat to missing PC versions and ever-more aggressive special editions—I’d urge every gamer to wait and see what’s actually on the disc (or download). Zelnick’s assurances about “value” are cheap; what matters is whether Rockstar keeps the base game free from day-one shenanigans and upcharges that nickel-and-dime the GTA faithful.
GTA 6 probably won’t cost you 100€, but “premium pricing” is still the new reality—expect 80€ (plus whatever Rockstar decides to include with fancier editions). Console players get in first, PC gamers get left out (again), and only time will tell if Rockstar’s promises hold up when the rubber meets the road. Keep your hype in check and your wallets ready—you’ll need both in 2026.
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