Rockstar Games is drawing attention—and not the good kind—after players discovered widespread price increases for some of its most iconic titles on the PlayStation Store. Grand Theft Auto V and both Red Dead Redemption games have seen significant price hikes across multiple regions, in a move that’s as sudden as it is unexplained.
The adjustments, first flagged by players on Reddit, started with noticeable increases in the UK and Brazil. Red Dead Redemption saw a jump of over £10 ($13), while its sequel went up by £5 ($6.50). The bundle including both titles also received a substantial markup, frustrating fans who had been waiting for a deal.
At first, the pricing shifts seemed isolated, but further investigation revealed they began as far back as April and have quietly spread across the globe. The changes don’t follow a clear pattern—while countries like Japan, Sweden, Norway, and South Africa now face higher costs, others such as Mexico, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic have actually seen price reductions. Notably, in the Czech Republic, only Xbox versions dropped in price; PlayStation versions were already discounted prior to these changes.
Even Grand Theft Auto V, a game originally released in 2013, was not spared. Both the base game and its standalone GTA Online mode have become more expensive in multiple regions. The move is especially controversial given that GTA V: Expanded and Enhanced was just featured on PlayStation Plus and remains available on Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass.
Traditionally, game prices decrease as titles age, with sales offering further discounts. Rockstar’s decision to increase prices bucks industry norms and has players wondering what the company is planning.
Some speculate this is a strategic test of price elasticity ahead of Grand Theft Auto 6, due out next year. Others believe Rockstar might be planning a “discount” sale after the hike to make it look like a better deal. There’s also the possibility that the studio is simply taking advantage of renewed interest in its back catalog as anticipation for future titles builds.
So far, Rockstar has remained silent on the reasoning behind these price changes. Without clarification, fans are left wondering if these are temporary tests or a permanent shift in pricing strategy. If the latter proves true, it’s likely GTA 6 will break past the $80 barrier—an uncomfortable thought for many gamers already wary of rising costs.
In the meantime, PC players looking to relive GTA V with next-gen visuals can check out the NaturalVision Enhanced mod, which brings the game’s graphics close to what fans expect from GTA 6.
In related news, Rockstar’s parent company, Take-Two Interactive, recently announced plans to raise $1 billion through stock sales. The company also raised eyebrows after quietly removing references to its DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives from its latest financial filings.
