Take-Two Interactive has confirmed that Grand Theft Auto VI will carry a base price of $79.99 and will arrive on November 19, the company said, moving the highly anticipated title closer to store shelves and prompting a rise in the publisher's shares during pre-market trading.
The stock advanced 2.99% in the pre-open session by 07:52 ET (11:52 GMT) as markets reacted to the formal pricing and launch confirmation.
Take-Two also announced a higher-tier option: an "Ultimate Edition" priced at $99.99. That edition is slated to include exclusive in-game vehicles, weapons and apparel tied to the game's narrative, which centers on protagonists Jason and Lucia.
Those pricing points position Grand Theft Auto VI among the most expensive base versions of a major console release. The company previously set a pre-order start date of June 25. Buyers who place a pre-order before November 20 are to receive the Vintage Vice City Pack, a collection of retro in-game items. In addition, purchasers who buy digitally will receive one complimentary month of GTA+, the game's membership service that unlocks in-game bonuses and provides access to Grand Theft Auto V and other titles.
Fans have waited more than a decade for the sequel to Grand Theft Auto V, which launched in 2013 and has sold roughly 230 million copies. That prior installment's sales volume has contributed to expectations that the new release will generate significant revenue quickly; analysts cited in the company's announcement expect the new installment to deliver billions of dollars in sales within days of launch.
Pre-orders are scheduled to open on June 25, according to the timeline Take-Two provided. The timed pre-order incentive and the inclusion of a GTA+ trial for digital buyers were highlighted as part of the company's rollout plan for early purchasers.
Market participants appeared to take the pricing and confirmed release window positively in the early trading session, with the measured pre-market gain reflecting investor positioning ahead of the next major launch from one of gaming's most prominent franchises.
Contextual note: The information above reflects Take-Two's announced pricing, editions, release date, pre-order mechanics and the pre-market stock reaction as reported by the company and market activity times noted.