Some Grand Theft Auto 6 followers have criticized a surprisingly costly candle that just lately appeared on the Rockstar Retailer. Marketed as capturing the scent of Vice Metropolis, the product sparked damaging reactions that underline broader issues about how Rockstar plans to monetize the hype surrounding GTA 6.
GTA 6 has most recently been delayed to November 19, 2026. Though its launch remains to be almost a 12 months away, Rockstar already seems to be shifting forward with official merchandise. An early December 2025 replace to the corporate’s on-line retailer launched the primary such product: the “Vice Candle.”
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Rockstar Launches $60 Vice Metropolis-Scented Candle
Branded in frosted glass and made in collaboration with Joya Studio, the Vice Candle is priced at $59.99. Its official description lists notes starting from lemon California and yerba mate to tuberose and smoked patchouli, with a burn time of roughly 65 hours. Whereas the itemizing would not mention GTA 6 by name, it clearly markets the product as capturing the scent of Vice Metropolis. A conceptually comparable and equally priced “Liberty Candle” additionally appeared on the Rockstar Retailer as a part of the platform’s newest catalog refresh, alluding to the scent of Liberty Metropolis. The 2 had been added to the shop alongside a slew of latest attire and equipment.
All New Rockstar Retailer Scented Candles
GTA 6 Followers Criticize Vice Candle
The $60 value level of the Vice Candle rapidly grew to become a speaking level on the r/GTA subreddit, the place dozens of vocal followers criticized it as being too costly at finest and fully out of contact at worst. “All their merch is so overpriced,” wrote one person, whereas one other rhetorically requested, “What stage of greed is that this!?” Others argued the candle strengthens broader concerns about GTA 6 pricing. “If that’s what they’re charging for a candle, I can’t even think about what they’ll cost for the sport lol,” wrote Reddit person brlowkey.
Rockstar’s Vice Candle Is Costly Even In comparison with Luxurious Candles
For added context, Rockstar’s newly launched Vice Metropolis-scented candle is dear even in comparison with boutique gadgets. In keeping with some latest insights from Candle Culture, the typical value of an 8-ounce (226.8g) luxurious candle—excluding ultra-premium outliers priced within the a whole lot—was roughly $64.96 as of late January 2025. Nevertheless, Rockstar’s Vice Candle weighs simply 6.5 oz (184.3g), and candles in that weight vary averaged round $52 on the time.
If that is what they’re charging for a candle, I can not even think about what they will cost for the sport.
Whereas Joya Studio positions itself as a boutique candlemaker, even its personal merchandise begin effectively beneath the $60 mark Rockstar is asking for its Joya-made Vice and Liberty Candles. As an example, the Katz’s Deli candle—a 6.9 oz providing with an identical 60-hour burn time—is priced at $28, lower than half the price. Granted, this hand-poured “chocolate egg cream” candle isn’t formally tied to one of the well-known online game franchises of all time. Taking a look at one thing that is, there’s the Crimson Lifeless Redemption 2 candle that is additionally made by Joya, which Rockstar has been promoting since 2018 for $49.99, a value that also compares favorably to the Vice Candle.
Candles Apart, GTA 6 Base Sport Could Not Be Overpriced
Whereas it is common for a weird luxurious merchandise launch to boost fan issues about Rockstar’s broader pricing technique, drawing a direct hyperlink between the price of a distinct segment merchandise like a scented candle and the worth of an upcoming recreation is a stretch at finest. In keeping with a latest research by MIDiA Analysis, Rockstar would be leaving money on the table if it priced the base edition of GTA 6 above $69.99, the present commonplace for brand new AAA titles. Whereas the corporate is all however sure to launch higher-tier editions aimed toward its most hardcore followers (the type which will additionally purchase a Vice Metropolis-scented candle), MIDiA’s findings recommend the much-anticipated recreation is unlikely to problem established norms in base pricing.
- Launched
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November, 2026
- ESRB
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Score Pending – Possible Mature 17+
Supply: Rockstar Store
