Take-Two Interactive is set for a strong fiscal year 2026, anticipating key game releases like Borderlands 4, Mafia: The Old Country, and Grand Theft Auto VI. Analyst Matthew Ball has sparked debate over the potential pricing of GTA VI, suggesting it could exceed €100, raising concerns among gamers already wary of recent price increases. While Take-Two benefits from microtransactions in GTA Online, the discussion around game pricing continues to evolve, reflecting broader industry trends.
Take-Two Interactive’s Promising Fiscal Year 2026
The upcoming fiscal year 2026 is shaping up to be a lucrative period for Take-Two Interactive, spanning from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. Assuming no unforeseen delays occur, fans can expect the highly anticipated releases of Borderlands 4, Mafia: The Old Country, and the next major installment in the series, Grand Theft Auto VI. The excitement surrounding GTA VI, especially following its trailer launched at the end of 2023, has sparked significant interest, even though official details remain scarce. GTA V has impressively sold over 205 million copies across more than a decade, benefiting from its availability on three generations of consoles. However, the recent remarks by analyst Matthew Ball from Epyllion have raised eyebrows regarding the potential pricing of the next Rockstar game.
Controversial Pricing Predictions for Grand Theft Auto VI
In a comprehensive presentation of 222 slides, Matthew Ball delved into the video game industry’s state for 2025, including the pricing strategy for Grand Theft Auto VI. He suggests that the new installment might heavily impact player engagement and spending patterns at the expense of other titles, despite its initial release being exclusive to consoles. The most provocative part of his discussion revolves around whether gamers would be willing to pay over €100 for the upcoming Rockstar title. While players may be eager to purchase GTA VI, the idea of a price hike raises concerns, particularly in a market where many publishers have recently increased their prices. Strauss Zelnick previously emphasized that pricing should reflect the quality of the gaming experience, yet many blockbuster titles are now priced at €79.99 ($69.99), with special editions costing even more.
Ball argues that game prices, when adjusted for inflation, have never been this low, a claim that seems out of touch with the realities faced by consumers. He posits that GTA VI could launch at a base price of $70, which he claims would make it the cheapest in the franchise’s history, while suggesting that a price of $91 would be more consistent with inflation-adjusted costs of previous versions. Despite the high anticipation and likely sales for GTA VI, many gamers might feel uneasy about potentially increased prices, especially considering the recent price hikes that have left a bitter taste in many mouths. Fortunately, retailers often provide competitive launch deals or quick price drops.
With Take-Two Interactive enjoying substantial revenue from microtransactions in GTA Online, it’s apparent that these funds have contributed to the development of GTA VI. However, it’s hard to overlook the idea of increasing prices further, particularly when successful games from companies like Nintendo showcase that high-quality experiences can be achieved without exorbitant budgets. Ultimately, while it’s plausible that a game as renowned as Grand Theft Auto VI could command a high price, this may not hold true for other AAA or “AAAA” titles.
Let’s hope that such statements don’t spark misguided practices among publishers. For now, gamers can snag GTA V on PS5 at an appealing price of €19.99 at various retailers.