Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick says early Grand Theft Auto VI pre-orders are currently leaning towards the more expensive Ultimate Edition, although the trend may be driven by the franchise’s most dedicated fans.
Grand Theft Auto VI fans are currently showing a preference for the game’s more expensive edition, according to Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick.
Speaking to CNBC, the boss of Rockstar Games’ parent company revealed that early pre-orders for GTA VI are “skewing more” towards the Ultimate Edition, which costs $100 compared with the $80 standard version.
Zelnick suggested the trend may be linked to the type of players who are rushing to secure their copy of one of gaming’s most anticipated releases.
He said: “That might be a reflection of the fact that the most avid consumers are the ones who are pre-ordering now.”
The Ultimate Edition includes additional digital content and premium extras, while the standard edition provides access to the full game.
The price difference has sparked discussion among fans, with GTA VI becoming one of the first major releases to push beyond the typical $70 price point for blockbuster games.
Zelnick has previously defended the pricing strategy, arguing that the value offered by Rockstar’s games justifies the cost. He said the company’s goal is to deliver an experience that feels worthwhile to players.
The Take-Two boss was also questioned about whether GTA VI could receive discounts during the holiday season, as the game launches shortly before Black Friday and Christmas.
While he said retailers are free to set their own prices, he noted that Rockstar’s previous games have maintained their value for years.
Zelnick said: “We preserved our pricing on Grand Theft Auto 5 for a very long time, much longer than a standard release of an entertainment property.”
The upcoming game has already generated controversy over its pricing and physical release plans. The physical version will reportedly include a download code rather than a traditional game disc, a move that has disappointed some collectors.
However, Zelnick does not believe the decision will negatively affect sales and suggested that a traditional physical release after launch remains possible.
Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled to launch on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Rockstar is also preparing a major promotional push, with an extended look at the game set to debut on Netflix later this month before being released more widely online.
GTA VI boss claims gamers are pre-ordering more copies of the Ultimate Edition
