Players spotted an unexpectedly expensive candle listed in Rockstar’s store. The item, said to “evoke the scent of Vice City,” has intensified concerns that the company might be looking to monetize the buildup to the game.
GTA VI’s release date was moved to November 19, 2026. Despite the delay, the company has already started selling official merchandise. In early December, the store introduced its first product — the “Vice Candle.”
The candle was produced in collaboration with Joya Studio, retails for $59.99, and comes in matte glass. The product description lists fragrance notes of California lemon, mate, tuberose, and smoked patchouli. While the site doesn’t explicitly reference GTA VI, the item is clearly themed around Vice City. At the same time, a “Liberty Candle” at the same price was released, and both are part of a new apparel and accessories collection.
The price quickly became a hot topic on Reddit. “All their merch is so expensive,” one user wrote. Another asked, “What level of greed is this!?” Commenters also voiced worries about the cost of the game itself: “If they charge this much for a candle, it’s scary to think what the game will cost.”
According to Candle Culture, the average price for a “luxury” 8-ounce candle is about $64, yet the Vice Candle is only 6.5 ounces, while candles of comparable size typically cost around $52. Even similar Joya candles are cheaper: Katz’s Deli (6.9 ounces, 60 hours burn time) is $28, and Joya’s Red Dead Redemption 2 candle is listed at $49.99.
Source: iXBT.games