Grand Theft Auto VI has officially entered its pre-order phase, and the headlines are already writing themselves. Rockstar Games has opened the gates for early purchases of what is arguably the most anticipated video game in history, but the launch has been accompanied by a mix of aggressive pricing, surprising discounts, and a fresh wave of controversy over what players actually get inside the box. At the same time, Microsoft has announced a substantial price hike for the Xbox Series S and Series X, citing component shortages driven by the artificial intelligence boom. This is a week where the cost of gaming — in every sense — has taken center stage.
GTA 6 Pre-Order Pricing: Standard and Ultimate Editions Revealed
Rockstar’s long-awaited pre-order campaign is finally live, and with it comes the official price structure for GTA 6. The Standard Edition is listed at R$ 450 in Brazil, while the Ultimate Edition commands R$ 550. Internationally, the game starts at US$ 80, marking a notable increase in the baseline price for AAA titles. The Ultimate Edition goes for US$ 100 and includes exclusive open-world content such as specific stores and missions — a decision that has drawn criticism from players who feel pressured to pay a premium for a complete experience.
The demand was so intense at launch that the PlayStation Store in Brazil crashed during the first hours of sales. Third-party retailer Nuuvem also faced a major backlash after releasing a coupon that applied to GTA 6, which overwhelmed their systems and forced the company to issue apologies and promise compensation.
What Is the Difference Between the Standard and Ultimate Editions of GTA 6?
The Standard Edition of GTA 6 includes the base game at R$ 450, while the Ultimate Edition at R$ 550 adds exclusive in-game content, including access to certain stores and missions that are locked from the Standard version. This tiered approach to open-world content has sparked debate about whether Rockstar is incentivizing players to buy the pricier edition for a complete gameplay experience.
Where to Find GTA 6 Pre-Order Discounts
Despite the steep official prices, several retailers are already offering discounts and favorable payment terms. Amazon Brazil is selling the physical “code-in-box” version of the Standard Edition for PS5 at R$ 418, with installment plans of up to 12 months. Nuuvem is offering gift cards with a R$ 13.50 discount using the coupon code MEUGTAMINHAVIDA, alongside 6-month installment options for both PS5 and Xbox Series versions. Mercado Livre is also running promotions tied to its 7.7 campaign, with discounted gift cards for Xbox and PlayStation available.
For buyers looking to secure the game at a lower effective price, these third-party deals represent the best available options. The official PlayStation Store and Xbox Store, by contrast, are selling at full price with no current discounts.
Physical Media Controversy: No Disc, Just a Code
One of the most discussed aspects of the GTA 6 launch is the nature of its physical media. Contrary to longstanding tradition, the boxed version of the game will not contain a disc. Instead, buyers receive a code to download the title. Early rumors suggested that a disc-based version might arrive later, but Rockstar has officially denied those claims.
This move aligns with a broader industry shift toward digital distribution, but it has frustrated collectors and players who value physical ownership. In response, some outlets have even published guides on how to create a custom display box for GTA 6 at home, allowing players to have something tangible on their shelves despite the lack of a disc.
Steam Machine Pricing Shocks Consumers
Valve has also made headlines this week with the pricing of its revived Steam Machine line. The PC running SteamOS is being sold through an invite-only system, and the numbers are eye-watering. The 512 GB model costs US$ 1,049 (approximately R$ 5,800 before taxes), while the 2 TB version reaches US$ 1,349 (around R$ 7,460). Bundles including the Steam Controller add roughly US$ 80 to each configuration.
Valve has acknowledged that the price reflects current market realities, noting that the cost of components — driven largely by AI industry demand — makes it impossible to offer the machine at a subsidized rate. The company has essentially passed the full manufacturing cost to consumers, making the Steam Machine a high-end proposition rather than a mass-market device.
Xbox Series S and X Prices Rise Significantly
Microsoft has confirmed that starting in August, the Xbox Series S and Series X will see price increases of between US$ 100 and US$ 150. The 2 TB model is being discontinued entirely. The company attributes the hike to the same global component shortages affecting the entire electronics industry, with AI-driven demand for chips and hardware continuing to strain supply chains.
In Brazil, the impact is expected to be minimal — not because the increase won’t apply, but because Xbox consoles have already been priced at a premium that often exceeds the cost of a PlayStation 5. For Brazilian consumers, the Xbox Series S, which once sold for as low as R$ 1,800 during promotions, now frequently costs more than a PS5, making the price adjustment symbolic more than disruptive in that market.
CD Projekt Red Aims to Rebuild Fan Trust
CD Projekt Red’s co-CEO, Michal Nowakowski, has acknowledged that the studio has not yet completed its “redemption arc” following the troubled launch of Cyberpunk 2077. In a recent statement, he admitted that a portion of the player base has lost confidence in the company. The upcoming The Witcher 4 now carries a dual mission: deliver a world-class RPG and serve as the project that restores the studio’s reputation. Nowakowski emphasized that the team is committed to learning from past mistakes, though he stopped short of detailing specific changes in development processes.
Paralives Surpasses One Million Copies Sold
In lighter news, the life simulation game Paralives has crossed the one-million-copies-sold mark within just one month of early access. Developed by a team of only 15 people, the game has positioned itself as a serious competitor to The Sims franchise. The developers have committed to releasing all future updates and expansions free of charge, with no paid DLC. This policy, rare in the genre, has been warmly received and is likely to intensify competition in the life simulation space.
Hideo Kojima Reflects on OD’s Development Journey
Hideo Kojima revealed this week that when he first pitched the concept for OD, his upcoming horror project, he was repeatedly told he was “crazy.” Many companies rejected the idea because they could not understand the vision. It was Microsoft that ultimately decided to back the project. Kojima described OD as a horror experience unlike anything attempted before, including a system designed to help overly frightened players continue through the campaign. As expected, he offered few concrete details, but promised the project would push the boundaries of the genre.
Upcoming July Game Releases
July is shaping up to be a notable month for new releases, with the return of Halo and Assassin’s Creed generating the most buzz. The opening week, however, is relatively quiet. Key titles include Monopoly: Star Wars – Heroes vs. Villains (June 30), Attack on Titan 3 – A.O.T.3 (July 1), Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game (July 2), and Rhythm Heaven Groove (July 2) for Nintendo Switch. A demo for Rhythm Heaven Groove is already available for both Switch 1 and Switch 2.
Free Games, Discounts, and Subscription Updates
Several promotions are active across platforms. Tell Me Why, the narrative game from Don’t Nod, remains free on PC and Xbox consoles through the end of the month. The Steam Summer Sale is live with thousands of titles discounted, and a curated list of 40 top deals has been published for shoppers. Nintendo’s eShop is also running promotions, with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Red Dead Redemption (at 50% off) among the highlights.
The Epic Games Store is offering RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 Complete Edition and Voidwrought for free until July 2. On mobile, Epic is giving away Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge for a limited time. Xbox Game Pass is adding Halo and other major titles in July, while PS Plus Extra and Deluxe recently added Life is Strange: Double Exposure to its catalog. Prime Gaming’s June lineup includes Mafia 3 Definitive Edition, available to subscribers.
The week’s news paints a picture of an industry grappling with rising costs, shifting distribution models, and the ever-present tension between commercial ambition and consumer trust. Whether through record-breaking pre-orders, hardware price spikes, or small studios finding success with alternative business models, the message is clear: the economics of gaming are changing fast, and everyone — from the biggest publishers to the smallest indie teams — is having to adapt.
