Grand Theft Auto VI could command a premium price tag of $100 (about £80) when it launches, according to industry experts.
Yet despite the steep price point, the highly anticipated sequel from Rockstar Games is expected to achieve colossal sales when it is released this autumn.
Gaming industry analysts suggest this could set a precedent for other publishers to increase their starting prices.
The game arrives 12 years after the record-breaking GTA V, which has sold over 210 million copies worldwide.
Rockstar are yet to confirm an official release date for GTA 6GETTYExpert research analyst Michael Pachter told Sky News he believes Rockstar and parent company Take-Two Interactive Software will be able to charge $100 with little complaint.
Pachter, a managing director at US-based Wedbush Securities, highlighted the rising cost of entertainment since GTA V's 2013 release.
"Realistically, video games are the only form of entertainment that hasn't kept up pricing with inflation," he said.
"Look at movie tickets, concerts, Disneyland, video on demand (VOD) - all have doubled."
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Rockstar Games has confirmed GTA 6 release will happen in 2025 on PS5 consoles, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, with parent company Take-Two hinting at a PC version of the game in the works too ROCKSTAR GAMES PRESS OFFICE | GBN For collectors and dedicated fans, the price could climb even higher. Analytics Insight reports that collector's editions could reach $250.
Industry analyst Anurag Reddy noted these premium versions would likely include extras such as artbooks or special in-game perks.
These collector's editions specifically "target diehards willing to splurge," according to Reddy's analysis based on data from market research firm DFC Intelligence.
Despite the high price point, experts question whether other game publishers could successfully follow Rockstar's lead.
"There is no question they will sell 100 million copies - or more - eventually," Pachter said.
GTA 6 will release over a decade on from GTA 5 hitting stores around the worldGETTYPachter explained that the key to charging more is justifying value to consumers.
"I expect GTA VI to be fully integrated with GTA Online, and Rockstar can offer premium edition purchasers $100-worth of in-game items - currency, skins, vehicles, weapons, etc - as a trade-off for the higher price point," he explained.
The persistent online world offers endless monetisation opportunities for players to purchase vehicles, weapons, properties and cosmetic upgrades.
This integration provides an "excuse" for engaged players to spend more money, according to Pachter.
"The level of integration will make the in-game items more valuable, and I don't expect a lot of pushback," Pachter added.
For those concerned about the $100 starting price, Pachter advises patience.
"Like theatrical releases, game prices decline over time.
"Rockstar can charge $100 for six months, can drop to $70 for six months, then drop periodically thereafter," he said.
Few games have a legacy as formidable as GTA, suggesting any price increase may be the exception rather than the rule.
The development cost of GTA VI is "highly likely to be nearly $1billion", according to Pachter, reflecting the game's immense scope and Rockstar's sizeable workforce.
From the trailer footage, players will return to the Miami-inspired Vice City in the fictional state of Leonida.
The game will feature a Bonnie and Clyde-style story with the series' first playable female character.
