Pre-orders for the highly anticipated video game, “Grand Theft Auto VI,” went live at midnight on Thursday, requiring gamers to commit a substantial amount of money before diving into the virtual chaos within a fictionalized representation of Florida. Developer Rockstar Games and publisher Take-Two Interactive Software have maintained a global release date of November 19 for the open-world action adventure crime drama, specifically designed for the Sony PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S consoles.
The standard edition of the game is priced at $109.99 Cdn ($80 US), surpassing the typical flagship game cost of $89.99. Meanwhile, some of Nintendo’s main releases for the Switch 2 console, like “Mario Kart World,” are also priced at this level. For those looking for additional in-game content, the Ultimate Edition is available at $139.99 Cdn ($100 US), featuring 1980s-themed costumes and vehicles. This edition is the exclusive gateway to various in-game stores offering items such as outfits, hairstyles, and tattoos for the main characters Lucia and Jason. The specifics on whether these items will be purchasable using in-game currency, real-world money, or a mix of both remain undisclosed by Rockstar.
Despite the early pre-orders, players will have to wait until November 19 to start playing the game, as there is no early access bonus for pre-order customers. Furthermore, physical copies of the game purchased in stores will not include a physical disc; instead, they will come with a code to download the game onto consoles.
Take-Two’s shares experienced a nearly three percent increase in pre-market trading on Wednesday. According to Joost van Dreunen, a games professor at New York University’s Stern School of Business, the pricing strategy is unlikely to impact sales significantly, considering the high anticipation for the game. He views the price as insignificant compared to the overall excitement surrounding the game’s release.
The previous installment in the series, “Grand Theft Auto V,” released in 2013, has sold approximately 230 million copies, solidifying its position as one of the best-selling video games. Rockstar has continually updated the game and its online mode, GTA Online, reportedly generating $1 million US in revenue daily. The success of “GTA VI” is crucial for Take-Two and the broader video game market, as the franchise typically drives console sales and PC upgrades.
Rockstar has described “GTA VI” as a single-player experience, hinting at the absence of online multiplayer content at launch. However, pre-orders will come with a complimentary one-month subscription to GTA+, the premium plan for GTA Online.
To date, Rockstar has released two trailers showcasing the game’s setting and characters, but gameplay footage, maps, or menus have not been revealed. Fans and influencers online have attempted to fill this void with speculative content, including fake or AI-generated videos purportedly showing leaked game footage.
Rockstar remains embroiled in an employment tribunal in the U.K. following the termination of 34 employees in the U.K. and Canada, sparking criticism for union-busting practices. The tribunal recently ruled against Rockstar’s attempt to dismiss claims of employee blacklisting.