- Analysis shows GTA 6 is actually the cheapest game in the entire franchise.
- The tidbit holds when the pricing for these games is adjusted for inflation in the US.
- In comparison, titles from the classic 3D era were more expensive for the average gamer.
Many argue that the $80 GTA 6 base edition is actually a bargain disguised as a controversy, with the price tag being largely accepted. Its pre-orders have also been selling like hotcakes, and over 80% of gamers plan to buy the more costly $100 ultimate edition.
A new comparison now reveals that GTA 6 is actually the cheapest game in the entire franchise despite looking the most expensive on paper.
When adjusted for cumulative inflation in the US, the game demands less than what GTA 3 would have cost back in 2001, even at its $50 price tag. The $50 price tag of GTA 3 and Vice City would be equivalent to $94 and $92 today.
Why it matters: GTA 6’s base $80 launch price has sparked controversy on either side of the argument. But the drama flips on its head entirely when the pricing is adjusted for inflation. It becomes the most appealing choice compared to all past GTA releases.
As per the comparison via @GTAVI_Countdown on Twitter, GTA titles in the classic 3D era were significantly more expensive when adjusted for inflation. For instance, GTA San Andreas’s $50 price in 2004 would be equivalent to $87 today.
The HD era is also not much better, with GTA 4’s 2008 $60 price tag draining you of $93 today when adjusted for inflation. 2013’s GTA 5 would have been the second cheapest option, priced at $85 today when inflation is considered.
However, many gamers have spoken out against this comparison for multiple reasons. Some have argued that GTA 6 supporters are trying to find any reason to justify its $80 price tag, while others claim that the base $80 edition doesn’t even come with all the features.
They expect the $100 ultimate edition to be included in the comparison instead, since it comes with all the content.
Regardless, analysts feared in the past that GTA 6 could have been priced at $100 for its base edition to justify inflation and a $1 billion+ development budget, but Rockstar went the more accessible route at least.
Do you think GTA 6 is priced just right given the current market conditions? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.
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Shameer Sarfaraz has previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, he loves to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games. Besides his passion for breaking news stories, Shahmeer loves spending his leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited his articles.
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