Trade Tariffs Might Make GTA 6 More Expensive Than Fans Expect

The release of Grand Theft Auto 6 is possibly the biggest thing in the entertainment industry this year. A lot of talk has been surrounding when the anticipated game might be released, but there is another factor that has now come into play: potential price increases due to international trade tensions.

Recent import tariffs proposed by the US government, thanks to President Donald Trump, could significantly impact video game production and pricing, potentially affecting how fans will purchase the Rockstar Games title.

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), representing major gaming companies like Take-Two Interactive (Rockstar's parent company), has voiced serious concerns about proposed tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada, and China. The primary worry stems from the fact that most video game physical discs for the US market are printed in Mexico.

Video game analyst Mat Piscatella warns that these tariffs could result in reduced physical game releases, higher disc prices, and potential increased costs for collector's editions. While Rockstar will likely still release a physical version of GTA 6, fans might face steeper prices.

Compounding the problem, there are already some in the video game industry who are hoping that GTA 6 will be priced between $80 and $100. The reasoning behind this is that Rockstar pricing GTA 6 within this range will help other studios justify raising the cost of their own titles. However, this is merely speculative.

For now, speculation suggests the base GTA 6 game could cost around $70, with a potential collector's edition pricing above $150, compared to GTA V 's collector's edition, which originally retailed for $150 in 2013.

ESA's statement draws attention to the potential economic impact, pointing out that tariffs on video game devices and related products would negatively impact millions of Americans and harm the industry's economic contributions.

The trade group is actively working with the administration to mitigate potential negative consequences, hoping to secure exemptions or find alternative solutions that protect both the gaming industry and consumer interests.

GTA fans should keep a close eye on new developments in this space, given the impact it may have on whether they can afford GTA 6 or not when it comes to stores later this year.