By Dexerto | Created at 2026-08-11 19:33:25 | Updated at 2026-08-19 06:49:30
1 week ago
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick says GTA 6 players are choosing the $99.99 Ultimate Edition over the $79.99 standard version during the game’s early preorder period.
Rockstar Games opened preorders on June 25, finally ending months of speculation that the base game alone could cost $100.
Instead, that price is reserved for an upgraded package containing additional vehicles, weapons, outfits, tattoos, shops and other in-game content. Standard Edition customers receive the base game and the Vintage Vice City Pack if they preorder before November 20.
Rockstar GamesGTA 6 Ultimate Edition leads early preorders, but don’t expect a price discount
During an interview with CNBC, Zelnick was asked whether demand was evenly split between the two versions.
The Rockstar parent company boss said preorders were leaning toward what he called the Premium Edition, though he offered a possible explanation for the early result.
“That might be a reflection of the fact that the most avid consumers are the ones who are pre-ordering,” he said.
He also indicated that there are no plans for GTA 6 to go on sale around Christmas, so expect those price tags to stay the same for some time.
Take-Two did not reveal how large the gap is between the editions. Zelnick’s caveat also suggests the split could change once more casual players begin buying the game closer to release.
The company previously described overall Grand Theft Auto VI preorder demand as “unprecedented,” but stressed that customers can still cancel before launch.
Rockstar GamesThe strong demand for the pricier edition comes as Take-Two discusses further opportunities to monetize gaming audiences, while Rockstar continues to keep its GTA 6 Online plans under wraps.
Zelnick has also defended the decision to sell physical boxes without discs. Rockstar’s next major marketing push will be an extended GTA 6 presentation on Netflix on August 27.
The Take-Two boss hyped the presentation, saying that it would feel like a Netflix show and told CNBC it would be “really worth watching.”
GTA 6 launches for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S on November 19, 2026.
