Saints Row Creator Backs $100 Price for GTA 6: Here’s Why

Introduction

Chris Stockman, the design director behind the original Saints Row (2006), has recently endorsed the idea of a $100 price for the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6). In an interview with Esports Insider, Stockman argued that the game’s massive scale, innovative design, and Rockstar’s proven track record justify a higher price, sparking a heated debate in the gaming community.

Saints Row creator admits that GTA 6 is the only game that deserves a $100 price tag for its high quality and magnitude of production. pic.twitter.com/NP18BtKbQc

— GTA 6 Countdown ⏳ (@GTAVI_Countdown) October 15, 2025

The Interview: Insights from a Gaming Veteran

Stockman reflected on his experience with Saints Row, comparing its early rivalry with GTA and praising Rockstar’s consistent execution. He emphasized that GTA 6’s production scale is unlike any other game:

“I think it deserves to be $100. The scope and magnitude of this production deserves that price tag, but not everything is treated equally.”

He warned against indiscriminate price hikes across the industry, stating that only Rockstar has the unique capacity to justify this pricing. Stockman also critiqued the 2022 Saints Row reboot for straying too far from its roots, suggesting a 1970s prequel with period-specific elements as a better approach.

Beyond pricing, he expressed concerns about microtransactions, free-to-play trends, and AI-driven narrative development, highlighting the challenges the industry faces in maintaining creativity and player engagement.

Community Reactions: Divided Opinions

The endorsement quickly went viral on X (formerly Twitter), dividing the gaming community. Supporters argued the price is fair given the decade-long development and Rockstar’s unmatched quality:

• @Positive_Gamerz: “Honestly I would agree. My problem wouldn’t be with GTA6 costing 100 bucks… but other companies pricing their games similarly would be wrong.”
• @smoknreef81026: “I don’t mind paying 100 for that. It’s 10 years of work.”

Critics, however, raised accessibility concerns:

• @HamaGaming0: “No even GTA 10 doesn’t deserve 100$…”
• @Tailsfox1999: “It could make people wait for discounts or lead to piracy.”

The discussion also touched on Saints Row’s decline, with some fans blaming the franchise’s shift away from its original charm.

Implications for the Gaming Industry

GTA 6 is rumored to have a $2 billion development budget. If Rockstar sets a $100 base price for its May 26, 2026 release, it could redefine AAA game economics, widening the gap between blockbuster titles and smaller studios. Stockman’s comments emphasize that not all games are equal, reinforcing the idea that high-quality, ambitious projects may justify premium pricing.

FAQs

Q1: Why does Chris Stockman support a $100 price for GTA 6?

A: He believes Rockstar’s production quality, scale, and innovation make GTA 6 uniquely worthy of a higher price.

Q2: Will other games adopt this pricing?

A: Stockman warned that a blanket $100 price for all games would be a disaster; only Rockstar can justify it.

Q3: How has the gaming community reacted?

A: Opinions are divided. Some support the price due to the game’s scope, while others worry about accessibility and piracy.

Q4: When is GTA 6 releasing?

A: The expected release date is May 26, 2026.

Conclusion

The endorsement from Saints Row creator Chris Stockman has reignited debates about game pricing, value, and industry trends. As AAA titles grow more ambitious and costly to develop, gamers must weigh whether premium pricing reflects true value. GTA 6 may not just be another game—it could redefine the economics of blockbuster gaming, setting a precedent for innovation and production scale in the years ahead.