As the November release date for GTA 6 draws nearer, players are still debating whether the $400 Collector's Edition is worth it—but scalpers aren't waiting for everyone to make up their minds and have already jumped in.
If you haven't heard the news yet, here's the scoop: Grand Theft Auto VI has launched a Collector's Edition priced at $400 (note that the game itself is not included). The bundle features various items such as a 6-inch alligator figurine and a collector's spoon, and pre-orders are now live on the Rockstar Games official website.
The Collector's Edition hasn't sold out at all—which is understandable given the hefty price tag—but that hasn't stopped scalpers from getting a head start on reselling.
A quick browse of eBay, the scalpers' favorite trading platform, shows listings for the GTA 6 Collector's Edition ranging from $800 to over $1,500. And there are plenty of them—a whole bunch—with none being sold at the official retail price. Not a single one.
A few listings with slightly lower prices are going for $600—but again, you can still buy this product at its original price on Rockstar's official website.
To be honest, I think scalpers are unlikely to make much money this time. Not only because, as I've mentioned repeatedly, the GTA 6 Collector's Edition is still in its pre-order phase, but more importantly, I don't think it will sell out anytime soon.
Disappointed rants from players are everywhere online, with many saying they're unwilling to spend so much on a merchandise set that doesn't even include the base game.
A Reddit thread discussing the baffling moves by scalpers illustrates the point well. One comment read, "Honestly, if anyone actually falls for it, the scalpers deserve every penny." Another user added, "I'll just buy the base game; $100 is enough." Indeed, the Ultimate Edition of GTA 6 is already priced at a steep $100 (though at least it includes the game).
So, I think scalpers trying to make a quick buck this time probably won't see much profit.
But who knows, maybe I'm completely wrong. Scalpers driving up prices and reselling at a markup is nothing new in the gaming world, and unfortunately, they often succeed.