The debate around the Grand Theft Auto 6 price tag continues to ignite online. But one voice from the gaming industry has taken a bold stand ā Chris Stockman, a developer from the original Saints Row team, believes that GTA 6 deserves to be priced at $100 (around RM470 in Malaysia), calling it the only game in the world capable of justifying that amount.
As Rockstar Games gears up for whatās expected to be the biggest entertainment launch in history, the question of how much players will pay for the next-generation open-world experience remains a hot topic. Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive (Rockstarās parent company), has consistently avoided confirming a price ā instead, he emphasizes āvalue for players.ā
With major publishers recently raising prices from $70 to $80, speculation around GTA 6ās pricing model is stronger than ever. If Nintendo Switch 2 titles like Mario Kart World are reportedly going for $80, and Microsoft is expected to follow suit next year, then itās hard to imagine GTA 6 launching any cheaper.
āGTA 6 Deserves That $100 Tagā ā Chris Stockman
While some fans are shocked at the idea of paying $100 (RM470) for a single game, Stockman argues that GTA 6 has earned it through ambition, innovation, and scope. In an interview with Esports Insider, the veteran designer said:
āTheyāre the only ones who can get away with it. Not every game is created equal. I think GTA 6 deserves to be $100 ā itās on another level entirely. But if everyone tried to copy that, itād be a disaster.ā
Stockman, who served as the Design Director on the first Saints Row, emphasized that GTA 6ās production scale, technology, and creative reach are unlike anything the industry has seen before. He warned that trying to normalize a $100 standard across the industry would lead to backlash, but for Rockstar, itās a justified exception.
GTA 6: The Most Ambitious Game Ever Made?
GTA 6 is rumored to have the largest development budget in gaming history ā reportedly exceeding $2 billion. Rockstar has revealed very little officially, but leaks and industry reports hint at a vast, living world inspired by Vice City and multiple playable protagonists. The scale and detail are expected to redefine what open-world games can achieve.
Even before its release, analysts predict GTA 6 will break global sales records and potentially become the highest-grossing entertainment product ever made. In that sense, a $100 price tag could even be seen as modest compared to the hundreds of hours of gameplay Rockstar typically delivers.
The Price Debate: Are Gamers Ready for $100 Titles?
The gaming market has already seen a gradual increase from $60 to $70 in recent years. But pushing the bar to $100 may set a new precedent. Earlier this year, industry analyst Matthew Ball from Epyllion suggested that some studios are hoping GTA 6 will open the door to higher base prices, helping reset the market after years of inflation and rising development costs.
āGame prices today are lower in real terms than decades ago, despite skyrocketing production costs,ā Ball noted. āA title like GTA 6 could reshape the entire pricing structure of the industry.ā
Why GTA 6 Might Be Worth Every Penny
From lifelike AI interactions to unprecedented world-building and cinematic storytelling, GTA 6 is shaping up to be a technological masterpiece. Rockstarās focus on quality and immersion sets it apart from most AAA studios, which often struggle with rushed releases and microtransaction-heavy designs.
For many fans, the thought of paying a bit extra for a truly premium experience feels justified ā especially if it delivers on its massive hype. But for others, the fear is clear: if GTA 6 can charge $100, what stops every other publisher from following suit?
š® GTA 6 ā Expected Highlights
- Expected Price: $100 / RM470 (approx.)
- Developer: Rockstar Games
- Publisher: Take-Two Interactive
- Setting: Modern Vice City (Open World)
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC (TBA)
- Expected Release: 2025ā2026 (Unconfirmed)
- Estimated Budget: Over $2 Billion
Final Thoughts
As the countdown to GTA 6ās launch continues, debates over its potential $100 price point will only intensify. But if any studio can justify such a bold move, itās Rockstar ā the developer that redefined gaming with GTA V and continues to set industry benchmarks.
In Chris Stockmanās words, āNot all games are created equal.ā And if GTA 6 truly delivers the groundbreaking experience fans expect, maybe ā just maybe ā $100 wonāt feel so steep after all.
š¬ What do you think? Would you pay $100 (RM470) for GTA 6 if it delivers the ultimate open-world experience?
Hey, Iām Saim ā a passionate gamer and tech enthusiast who loves exploring the latest games, mobile phones, and gadgets. I started Bubucaca to share honest opinions, news, and insights that help gamers and mobile lovers stay updated.