Grand Theft Auto VI is finally available to pre-order, but it’s being branded a “rip-off” within the UK. On 24 June, ahead of pre-orders opening, Rockstar Games confirmed that GTA 6 would launch via two editions: the Standard Edition and the Ultimate Edition.
The Standard Edition was confirmed in the US as retailing for $79.99, while the Ultimate Edition was announced to set gamers back $99.99. This applies to both the physical and digital editions, with all copies ordered before 20 November coming with bonus DLC cosmetics.
GTA VI pre-orders have since gone live across the globe, but certain fans aren’t all that happy about how the game’s pricing has been converted.
UK Gamers Appear To Be Paying More – But There’s a Valid Explanation
Here in the UK, for example, the Standard Edition of GTA 6 will set you back £69.99, which is in line with standard industry pricing here for major releases. The Ultimate Edition is available to pre-order for £89.99, but some have pointed out that these aren’t really fair conversions upon first glance.
“It feels like a little bit of a rip off that in the UK, they are charging us £89.99 when $99.99 is the equivalent of £75.96 in a direct currency exchange.” – Welsh_Turkey
At first glance, the numbers seem out of balance. But there is a very good reason for this not-so-equal conversion.
US Pricing vs UK Pricing: The Tax Difference
The key factor is sales tax (VAT). In the US, advertised prices do not include sales tax. The final price varies by state (ranging from 0% to over 10%). In the UK, advertised prices must include VAT by law. The UK’s VAT rate is currently 20%.
| Edition | US Price (excl. tax) | Estimated US Price (incl. 8% avg tax) | UK Price (incl. 20% VAT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $79.99 | ~$86.40 | £69.99 ($89.40) |
| Ultimate | $99.99 | ~$108.00 | £89.99 ($114.90) |
When you factor in US sales tax, the UK prices are remarkably close to what US consumers actually pay. The only difference is that UK buyers see the final price upfront, while US buyers see a lower number that increases at checkout.
One fan pointed out this reality: “US doesn’t include tax, so it’s not $79.99. In my state, it’s $87, so I’d gladly pay $86 instead of £70.”
What About Other Regions?
The pricing debate extends beyond the UK:
| Region | Standard Edition | Ultimate Edition |
|---|---|---|
| US | $79.99 | $99.99 |
| UK | £69.99 | £89.99 |
| Europe | €89.99 | €109.99 |
In Europe, the Standard Edition costs €89.99 – approximately $96.50 USD. This has led to some frustration among European players, who note that the game is nearly $20 more expensive than the US price, even after accounting for VAT.
Other Controversies
The pricing debate isn’t the only controversy surrounding GTA 6’s pre-orders.
Digital Codes Instead of Discs
Physical versions don’t include a disc. Instead, Rockstar Games has opted for a code-in-a-box approach, which renders physical copies obsolete beyond having something to place on your shelf. Digital ownership is bad news for game preservation, as you don’t technically own the game in most instances; you’re more often than not purchasing temporary usage.
One insider claims that this only applies to GTA VI‘s first production run to prevent spoilers from leaking, as digital versions of the game cannot be leaked, but this is yet to be proven correct.
Paywalled Story Content
GTA VI‘s Ultimate Edition is also hiding story content and exclusive stores behind its more premium price point, locking Standard Edition users from experiencing certain missions. Typically, it’s the norm for deluxe versions to include exclusive cosmetics, but the inclusion of story content has really put the cat amongst the pigeons.
Also, Read
- GTA 6 Pre-Order Update Is A Devastating Blow To Physical Media Gamers
- GTA 6 Confirms Early Download As 12 November Set To Be A Major Day
- GTA 6 Limited Time DLC Confirmed, How To Claim As Pre-Orders Finally Arrive
The Bottom Line
While UK and European gamers may feel they’re paying more, the pricing is largely in line with the cost after taxes. The real controversies lie elsewhere: the decision to sell “physical” copies without a disc and the decision to lock story content behind the Ultimate Edition.
Grand Theft Auto VI will launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S on 19 November, with those who pre-order able to pre-load the game from 12 November.