A video game analyst has noted that there’s some “hope” within the gaming industry that the price of GTA 6 could skyrocket to $100.

The idea of standard video game prices jumping to $100 is being floated as a possibility, thanks to the hype surrounding Grand Theft Auto 6. According to Matthew Ball’s State of Video Gaming in 2025 report, some in the gaming industry hope Take-Two Interactive will use the unprecedented excitement around Rockstar’s GTA 6 to push this price increase. If successful, this could open the door for other publishers to follow suit, all under the guise of offsetting spiraling development costs.

A screenshot from Grand Theft Auto VI (2025), Rockstar Games

This concept, while perhaps tempting for game publishers, could spell disaster for the industry. Here’s why.

The True Cost of Gaming

First, let’s address the elephant in the room: gaming isn’t getting cheaper for consumers.

While game developers argue that prices have remained “stagnant” for years—ignoring the $10 jump to $70 in 2020—this doesn’t tell the full story. The real cost of gaming has skyrocketed due to microtransactions, downloadable content (DLC), subscription services, and special editions. Many gamers already spend hundreds on a single title when factoring in these add-ons.

Bumping the base price to $100 would only further alienate an audience already wary of being nickel-and-dimed.

A Risk to Accessibility

Raising the base price could also limit accessibility.

A screenshot from Grand Theft Auto VI (2025), Rockstar Games

Video gaming has thrived as a medium partially because it appeals to a broad audience. Slapping a $100 price tag on a game would push it out of reach for many casual players and families, potentially shrinking the player base.

While industry leaders might hope to recoup costs from dedicated fans willing to pay the premium, the long-term damage to gaming’s widespread casual appeal could be severe.

Lessons from History

Let’s not forget the lessons of history. The infamous video game crash of 1983 was partly driven by a disconnect between industry greed and consumer expectations.

Often called the “Atari Shock,” the crash was a significant industry collapse in North America that led to massive financial losses for game companies, a flooded market, and the near-death of the home video game market. The early 1980s economic downturn added financial strain, as families cut discretionary spending, including video games.

A screenshot from Grand Theft Auto VI (2025), Rockstar Games

Many game developers and console manufacturers went out of business. Even Atari, the dominant player, was split up and sold off. The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) revitalized gaming when it launched in 1985. It introduced stricter quality control through measures like the Nintendo Seal of Quality, which assured customers that games met a certain standard.

The 1983 crash serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed, poor quality control, and oversaturating the market. It’s a reminder that consumers will only tolerate so much before losing faith, a lesson that remains relevant as discussions about $100 games and rising costs dominate today’s industry.

A sharp price increase, especially without adding meaningful value, risks alienating gamers who may decide to spend their entertainment dollars elsewhere. The gaming market’s history shows us that overconfidence in consumer loyalty could lead to another reckoning.

The Audience Will Decide

Ultimately, gaming companies can charge whatever they want. But consumers hold the real power—they vote with their wallets.

If Take-Two or others push standard game prices to $100, they risk significant backlash. Gamers may boycott these titles or turn to alternatives, including indie games or discounted back catalogs, to fill the void. Companies betting on unwavering loyalty may find themselves sorely mistaken.

A screenshot from Grand Theft Auto VI (2025), Rockstar Games

While GTA 6 may still sell like hotcakes at nearly any price, it’s not a model that can sustain the broader gaming market. A $100 base price for standard editions risks alienating consumers, reducing accessibility, and sparking an industry-wide crisis of confidence.

Publishers would be wise to tread carefully; history shows that audiences can and will abandon those who take them for granted.

In the end, the message to the gaming industry is simple: innovate wisely and respect your audience. The future of gaming depends on it.

Do you think the GTA 6 price will balloon to $100? Will you continue to play games if this becomes the industry standard? Sound off in the comments and let us know!