something Grand Theft Auto 6 Fans have criticized a surprisingly expensive candle that recently appeared in a Rockstar store. Marketed as capturing the scent of Vice City, the product sparked negative reactions that underscored widespread concerns about how Rockstar planned to monetize the surrounding hype. GTA 6.
GTA 6 It has recently been delayed to November 19, 2026. Although its launch is still almost a year away, Rockstar already seems to be moving forward with official merchandise. An early December 2025 update to the company's online store introduced the first such product: “sub candles.”
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Rockstar Launches $60 Vice City-Scented Candle
Branded in frosted glass and made in collaboration with Zoya Studios, the Vice Candle is priced at $59.99. Its official description lists notes ranging from lemon California and yerba mate to tuberose and smoked patchouli, with a burn time of around 65 hours. While not mentioned in the list GTA 6 From the name, it clearly markets the product as capturing the scent of Vice City. A conceptually similar and similarly priced “Liberty Candle” also appeared in the Rockstar Store as part of the platform's latest catalog refresh, alluding to the scent of Liberty City. Added to the store with two new clothing and accessories.
All new Rockstar Store Scented Candles
GTA 6 fans criticize Vice Candle
The Vice Candle's $60 price point immediately became a talking point on the r/GTA subreddit, where dozens of vocal fans criticized it as being too expensive at best and completely out of touch at worst. “All their stuff is so expensive,” wrote one user, while another rhetorically asked, “What level of greed is this!?” Others argue that candles reinforce widespread anxiety GTA 6 Pricing. “If they're charging for a candle, I can't imagine what they'd charge for a game,” wrote Reddit user Brlocki.
Rockstar's Vice Candles are more expensive than Luxury Candles
For further context, Rockstar's recently launched Vice City-scented candles are expensive compared to boutique items. According to some recent insights from Candle Culture, the average price of an 8-ounce (226.8g) luxury candle — excluding ultra-premium outliers priced in the hundreds — was about $64.96 by the end of January 2025. However, Rockstar's wesigh 2025 (226.8g), vice candle (226.8g). That weight range averaged around $52 during the candles.
If they're charging for a candle, I can't even imagine what they'd charge for a game.
While Zoya Studios positions itself as a boutique candlemaker, even its own products start below the $60 mark Rockstar is asking for its Joya-made Vice and Liberty candles. For example, Katz's Deli candle—offering the same 60-hour burn time as a 6.9 oz.—is priced at $28, less than half the cost. Yes, this hand-poured “chocolate egg cream” candle isn't officially tied to one of the most famous video game franchises of all time. Looking at something isthere is Red Dead Redemption 2 The candle, also made by Zoya, which Rockstar has been selling for $49.99 since 2018, is still priced relatively favorably with the Vice candle.
Candles aside, the GTA 6 base game may not be overpriced
It's not unusual for a quirky luxury item launch to raise fan concerns about Rockstar's broader pricing strategy, but drawing a direct link between the cost of a niche item like a scented candle and the price of an upcoming game is a stretch at best. According to a recent study by MIDIA Research, Rockstar would be leaving money on the table if it priced its base version. GTA 6 Above $69.99, the current standard for new AAA titles. While the company is sure to release high-end versions aimed at its most die-hard fans (who can even afford Vice City-scented candles), MIDiA's findings suggest the much-anticipated game is unlikely to challenge established standards at base pricing.


- issued
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November, 2026
- ESRB
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Rating Pending – Potentially Mature 17+
Source: Rockstar Store