GTA VI Preorders Are ‘Unprecedented’ Despite Higher Game and Console Costs

Grand Theft Auto VI is shaping up to be one of Take-Two’s biggest launches to date, but its arrival comes at an interesting time for the industry. Higher costs surrounding both games and consoles have raised questions about how much players are willing to spend.

Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has now addressed those concerns while offering an early glimpse at demand for Rockstar’s next blockbuster. Despite the uncertainty, the company remains confident that one of the top upcoming video game releases is heading for a strong launch.

Preorders exceed expectations

Preorders for GTA VI opened on June 25, with the Standard Edition priced at $79.99 and the Ultimate Edition at $99.99. The more expensive version includes additional vehicles, weapons, apparel and other in-game content.

Speaking during a recent analyst call, Zelnick described the level of early orders as “unprecedented and astonishing”. Take-Two has declined to reveal how many copies have been ordered, with Zelnick stressing that the company does not know how that demand will translate into sales.

we’re very grateful for that… But they are so unprecedented that we just don’t know how it’ll translate into sales…

Strauss Zelnick

The response is particularly notable given the ongoing discussion around higher prices among the latest game releases. While $70 remains common for major AAA titles, GTA VI joins games such as Mario Kart World in pushing the standard edition to $80.

The CEO has defended that decision by arguing that GTA VI offers substantially more value than consumers pay. He also pointed to rising game development costs, which have increased significantly while retail prices have not kept pace with inflation.

No standard price

GTA VI’s $80 starting price does not mean every future Take-Two release will cost the same. Zelnick said pricing will be considered individually, citing the $50 price of Mafia: The Old Country as an example.

Take-Two therefore does not appear ready to establish a fixed price for all its latest game releases. That case-by-case strategy could also become worth watching as wider gaming trends develop around the rising cost of AAA production.

Higher console prices won’t slow GTA VI

Buying GTA VI itself is only part of the expense for players still using last-generation hardware. The game requires a PS5 or XBOX Series X|S, while rising memory costs linked partly to booming AI infrastructure demand have put additional pressure on console prices.

Zelnick acknowledged that higher hardware prices are “not a good thing” because cheaper consoles would put compatible systems into more people’s hands. Still, he does not currently consider the situation a significant obstacle for GTA VI.

Take-Two expects the console install base around launch to remain consistent with its previous projections. Sony has also said it secured enough RAM to support its planned PS5 production into early 2027.

That confidence puts GTA VI in an unusual position within gaming. Players face higher costs for both software and hardware, yet early demand continues to exceed Take-Two’s expectations.

Another major look at the game is scheduled for August 27 through Netflix before becoming available through Rockstar’s other official channels six hours later.

With its release approaching, GTA VI remains one of the top upcoming video game releases. Its early commercial performance suggests higher costs have done little to cool enthusiasm.