Investing.com -- Take-Two Interactive Software priced the long-awaited "Grand Theft Auto VI" at $79.99 and reaffirmed a November 19 launch date, sending the company’s shares higher in premarket trading as the gaming industry’s most anticipated release moved closer to shelves.

The stock gained 2.99% in the pre-open trade by 07:52 ET (11:52 GMT).

The price tag puts "GTA VI" among the most expensive base versions of a major console title. A premium "Ultimate Edition," carrying a $99.99 price, will bundle exclusive vehicles, weapons and apparel tied to the game’s story, which follows protagonists Jason and Lucia.

Fans have waited more than a decade for the sequel to "Grand Theft Auto V," which launched in 2013 and has sold roughly 230 million copies, cementing its place among the best-selling video games ever made. Analysts expect the new installment to generate billions of dollars in sales within days of release.

Pre-orders open June 25, Take-Two said earlier this month. Buyers who pre-order before November 20 will receive the Vintage Vice City Pack, a collection of retro in-game items, with digital purchasers also receiving a complimentary month of GTA+, a membership service that unlocks in-game bonuses and access to "GTA V" and other titles.