Rockstar Games has announced that Grand Theft Auto VI will launch with a standard edition priced at $80 and an Ultimate Edition at $100. Preorders are set to begin on June 25 at midnight local time. The announced retail cost has ignited significant discussion across the internet, with many players expressing discontent over the perceived precedent for game pricing.
While $80 games are not entirely new in the market, the decision has drawn criticism. Industry observers, such as journalist Imran Khan, have noted that this development was not entirely unexpected. However, the trend of increasing game costs has been a point of contention for many gaming enthusiasts.
The features included in the Ultimate Edition have also become a focal point of the online debate. Some critics argue that content such as specific activities and locations, which are part of the more expensive edition, should have been included in the base game.
For individuals who had not planned to purchase Grand Theft Auto VI, the $80 price point and associated launch details have served as further justification for not engaging with the title. One social media user humorously drew a parallel between Grand Theft Auto VI and the upcoming Rhythm Heaven Groove on Switch, though the comparison was made with acknowledged subjectivity.
Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled to release on November 19, with pre-loads becoming available starting November 12. The physical edition will include a download code, allowing players to preload the game ahead of its official launch date.