Insider: GTA 6 special edition and additional GTA Online payments can cost up to $150

Take-Two Interactive, the publisher behind the iconic Grand Theft Auto series, has been at the forefront of setting higher price points for AAA video game releases, initially pushing for a $70 standard. Speculation is rife about the pricing strategy for the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6). While the base version of GTA 6 might retain the $70 price, there's talk of a deluxe edition potentially ranging from $100 to $150, which could offer perks like early access.

Insider Tez2 has shed light on a significant shift in the game's structure. Unlike previous titles where online modes were bundled with the main game, GTA 6 will introduce a separate online component at launch. This online mode will be sold independently, while the story mode will be part of a "complete package" that includes both the online and story modes.

The pricing dynamics of this new model raise intriguing questions. How much will the standalone online mode cost, and what will be the price of upgrading to the story mode for those who initially purchase only the online version? By setting a lower price for the online version, Take-Two could attract a broader audience, including those who find the full $70 or potential $80 price tag prohibitive. This strategy could encourage players to start with the online mode and later opt for the story mode upgrade, providing an additional revenue stream for the company.

Furthermore, Take-Two might leverage this model to introduce a subscription service akin to Game Pass, possibly through their existing GTA+ platform. Players who continue to engage with the online mode rather than saving for the story mode upgrade could generate sustained income for Take-Two, showcasing the company's strategic foresight in maximizing profitability from their flagship title.