The price tag on Grand Theft Auto VI, set to cost players £80 at launch, has sparked a mix of outrage and resignation among gamers. As the game hits store shelves (or rather, download links), it marks another step in the evolution of AAA gaming pricing.

Analysts have been forecasting this move for years, as the costs associated with developing high-quality games continue to escalate. This hefty price point might be seen as a necessary evil, but it’s hard not to think about how we got here from $60 titles just a few short years ago.

The Ultimate Edition, priced at £99, comes with a bundle of exclusive perks, including premium vehicles and weapons. However, many gamers are questioning whether this extra cash is worth the additional content. Will it be enough to justify the jump in price?

Rumours suggest that the physical release will come later, with just a download code inside the box. This digital-only approach has become increasingly common among large publishers, who see it as a way to keep costs down while still offering premium content.