170°

Editorial: Why $50 Games Are Hurting the PS Vita

At SRN, we take a look at the current game market for the PlayStation Vita which includes a heavy dosage of $40 games select titles like CoD: Declassified which carry an astonishing $50 price tag. Are high priced games keeping the powerful portable down? Weigh in.

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sonyrumors.net
illegalprelude4151d ago

Great read. Have to agree that too much expensive titles with a expensive handheld don't yield a good mix

LOGICWINS4151d ago

Then you need to factor in expensive memory cards. Sony does try to lessen the blow by giving the option to use that $50 to buy a years worth of PS Plus which will net you 20-30(maybe more) Vita games a year for the price of ONE Vita game.

XB1_PS44150d ago

Yeah, but like you said the memory is expensive.. I haven't gotten plus, for the soul reason that i can't fit even half of the games on the 4gbs sony provided.. I think Uncharted is 3.2gbs by its self.. They need to drop the price on those cards asap. $75 is the cheapest you can buy a 32 gb for right now.

Godchild10204151d ago (Edited 4150d ago )

There have only been 3 (Three), $50 dollar titles to date. Uncharted sold very well for a 50 dollar title and COD, sold okay. Would have sold better if the quality matched the price. The next one is a DJ Rhythm game that will be released today on PSN and retail next week on Amazon and the company's website.

My thing is the writer also mentioned 40 dollar titles, but doesn't the 3DS have 40 dollar titles? The 40 dollar 3DS titles sell well, because their is quality in the games for the price. As long, as there is quality in the game to match the price, it wouldn't matter.

I'm not saying publishers should charge 50 dollars, because it doesn't work all the time. Uncharted is an exception, because the quality was there. COD ( I'm enjoying) was a cash in for Activision and more or less to see if the COD would sell on it.

I would love to see that Batman title, Mass effect title from the App Store on the Vita, but the price has to be reasonable. I would pay 20 dollars for each, at most. The games are built on different hardware and different control schemes, so of course prices will be different. The development kits are priced differently. We have to take a lot of factors in, to understand why the prices are so skewed.

Neckbear4150d ago

"There have only been 3 (Three), $50 dollar titles to date"

Not that the Vita has more than 20 retail titles or anything...

admiralvic4150d ago

@ Neckbear

I've personally played 32 Vita titles and am missing a good portion of the whole catalog. I would say there are roughly 60 titles in the US and several more if you include EU / Japan. Additionally none of the upcoming titles are currently set to release for $50, so you're talking about 2 - 7% of the TOTAL market, which makes this point sound really flimsy.

KangarooSam4150d ago (Edited 4150d ago )

@Neckbear: Go troll somewhere else. And if you're not trolling (I think the one bubble explains this) then "read a book". The Vita has a TON of games for a console in it's first year. Definitely enough that are varied to convince almost anyone to pick one up. It's just that instead of using their heads the majority of sheeple go with the masses and just think what people like you say are true! Assassin's Creed, Uncharted, Need for Speed, Mutant Blobs Attack, Gravity Rush, Ragnarok Odyssey.

What does your assumed 3DS have? Mario and Zelda? Good games but how the hell do two franchises seem to qualify a purchase when the amount on Vita doesn't? It just doesn't add up.

3DS 2013 titles: Some Professor Layton and/or Animal Crossing and/or Pokemon game Nintendo pulls out of thin air. (Actually hoping for SSB).

Vita 2013 titles: Sly Cooper, Soul Sacrifice, Tearaway, Killzone, and a good chunk of unannounced games.

So, like I said, read a book Neckbear.

admiralvic4150d ago

It's really not and their point is weak...

- There are 3 games at $50, which does nothing more than hurt the GAMES actual sale. If I was going to buy a Vita for CoD Black Ops Declassified, Uncharted or DJ Max, then that $10 dollars isn't going to be a deal breaker. Just like not buying today won't kill me.
- 3DS games cost $40 (average Vita game cost), but yet again we only hear about Sony doing wrong. If you want to make a valid point, don't justify it by calling out 3 games (2 of which came out in the past month, so for a long time wasn't even a big deal on the Vita) or by leaving out the 3DS for whatever reason.
- Better quality iOS games cost a LOT more. A common misconception is that people talk about the dollar games, but don't talk about the exceptions. Most dollar games are good for the price, but would be a rip off at anything more than 5 dollars. I wouldn't say Infinity Blade II has enough depth to match the average 40 dollar Vita game, but I would say The World Ends with You does. The main difference is that The World Ends with You cost $17 dollars, which is a fairly common price for many SE titles.
- There are also $30 dollar MSRP games on the Vita. While the Vita has 3 games at $50 dollars (really only 2 now), the Vita has had MORE titles at a $30 dollar MSRP. Sure these weren't the best games on the console, but it's not like everyone thinks their crap is worth gold either.
- No mention of Ratchet and Clank? FFA gives you both the PS3 and Vita version for 20 dollars, so Sony is also TRYING different things to add incentive.

In the end, this shows how much effort some sites will put in to get hits.

Cam9774150d ago (Edited 4150d ago )

Great read. They really need to adjust the price structure. For example, games that warrant a full price should have it! Ps Plus on the other hand offers spectacular value for money, albeit if the memory cards are slightly overpriced. Anyway, I love my Vita and find it superb in what it offers; that of course is the experience unavailable anywhere else! Furthermore, I got mine used for a bargain price! What it had was the Vita and a 16GB stick - all for £150 in "like new" condition. I love it! It's a pity my Plus ended earlier today.

LOGICWINS4150d ago

"They really need to adjust the price structure. For example, games that warrant a full price should have it"

Agreed! But who would determine what games should warrant full price? Whose to say that an Uncharted game should be priced higher than a Rayman Origins or a Wipeout 2048?

tubers4150d ago

hmmm they could probably release some titles for 50 but if the market and reviews are far from meeting their sales projection then they could probably quickly drop it down to 40.

MrCrimson4150d ago ShowReplies(2)
abzdine4150d ago

Good point, the games are priced too high, especially the downloadable ones and add to that the very high prices of memory cards.
I prefer DL games on a handheld because it's more transportable.

Kane224150d ago

I know of 3 vita games that are $50.

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80°

Paying Extra For Early Access Cannot Be The Industry Norm

Charging for early access has started to become a regular practice in several AAA games, and the gaming community should not tolerate this.

CrimsonWing691h ago

Don’t uh… don’t pay for it then? 🤷‍♂️ It’s 3 days early, let people who can’t wait pony up to pay for early access. I’d hope people have more control over themselves if they don’t want to pay extra. I personally, do not see an issue with the option. If I’m hyped for a game and they give you early access, I’ll pay. If it’s something I can wait to play on “actual release” I won’t pay extra. It’s as simple as that.

Crows901h ago

Except your entirely mistaken if you think it's "early access"

Theyre just charging you extra to play it on release. So gullible.

Obscure_Observer15m ago

"Theyre just charging you extra to play it on release. So gullible."

Not really.

In some cases, paying for early access will grant you access to play those games at the same time media outlets and reviewers are playing their copies.

Besides, it´s a single player game. It´s not like early access to MP competitive games like Battlefield which EA would grant a full week early access to those willing to pay; which gives a unfair advantage to those gamers and breaks the game´s balance.

Crows901h ago

It's not early access...it's playing on release...early access is when the game isn't finished and needs a little more time...you also get it months in advance.

Let's not get confused here..

VersusDMC1h ago

Microsoft has been doing premium edition early access for awhile(Forza and Starfield recently) ...so why is it an issue now when Ubisoft does it?

It can't be the gamepass excuse as Ubisoft has day one subscriptions as well.

Obscure_Observer11m ago

I´ve paid for Starfield´s Premium Edition to get early access to the game, plus Shattered Space expansion.

I don´t regret my decision and I mighty pay for it again to get early access to Fable and TESVI.

70°

What the game industry must do to prevent occupational burnout

Game industry working conditions are improving, but occupational burnout still runs amok. Studios and workers have the power to slow it down.

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gamedeveloper.com
anast2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

Quite being abusive to the workers and hold management accountable.

370°

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Has Reportedly Sold About Half of What FF7 Remake Did in the Same Timeframe

The acclaimed open world action RPG is "underperforming" where its sales are concerned, according to industry analyst Daniel Ahmad.

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gamingbolt.com
raWfodog3d ago

“Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Has Reportedly Sold About Half of What FF7 Remake Did in the Same Timeframe”

Makes sense to me since the current PS5 base is about half of what the PS4 base was when FFVII Remake released.

There were about 113 million PS4’s in consumers hands worldwide in 2020 when FFVII Remake was released (towards the beginning of COVID lockdown no less).

PS5 sales currently sits at about half of that (50-something million. We are not in COVID lockdown so many people are not as bored as they were 4 years ago and not in a rush to buy every video game coming out at release. Some PS4 owners may not have upgraded to PS5 yet and therefore can’t buy the sequel yet. And, of course, some who played Remake just might not be interested in Rebirth.

It just seems pretty disingenuous for an analyst to ‘analyze’ a situation when there are so many mitigating and unequal factors involved.

OtterX3d ago (Edited 3d ago )

Yes, this and also finishing part 1 of the Final Fantasy Remake trilogy weighs heavily on it too. There's always a huge percentage of gamers who never finish the games they purchase. It's not always due to lack of enjoyment, but also life priorities etc. But factor that into the knowledge that Rebirth is a straight continuation of the story, and enjoyment lies heavily on having finished the first, you can begin to understand why not as many players jumped in. But absolutely too, the lesser install base of the PS5 played a huge role!

jjb19812d ago

I started the game when it came out, played about 2/3 of the way through and finished the rest in the last month before rebirth came out. There are just too many games and too much adulting to do.

Eonjay1d 18h ago

It sold about half... with about half as many PS5s available as PS4 had when it launched in 2020. So... the tie ratio is about the same. As PS5s continue to sale it should eventually match Remake. It's a really good game.

fr0sty1d 17h ago

I think there's going to be another wave of buyers that purchase the game once the third part of the trilogy is released, especially if they release it as a bundle.

jambola2d ago

Excuse me sir
Industry analyst Daniel Ahmad said this 🙄

Obscure_Observer2d ago

"Industry analyst Daniel Ahmad said this 🙄"

That guy is director of research & insights at Niko Partners.

https://nikopartners.com/

But he shouldn´t be trusted according to some "trust me bro" N4G random. Smh

2d ago
Barlos2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

Obscure Observer, so by your logic, we should also trust Pachter? Come on, it's like you're not even trying any more.

MrNinosan1d 22h ago

@Obscure
"We cover China, Chinese Taipei, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam."

Yepp, very trusted and the biggest areas for videogame sales.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 1d 22h ago
Tody_ZA2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

@raWfodog You'd think an analyst would catch these facts, but just goes to show what gaming analysts are made of. We've only in the last year moved to PS5 only games, in addition to the install base cross-gen has been around for years. There are a lot of PS4 players still over there. It's amazing when people compare things whilst isolating all the significant facts.

And Rebirth being a direct sequel is also valid: anecdotally, I've just started FF7 Remake a week ago and I'm loving it, on Chapter 8, but I'm obviously not going to buy Rebirth until I complete the story which will take time.

Ironmike1d 19h ago

But it's hasn't sold as much the articles om Google stating bit so what if it hasn't the game is still great better than remake which tailed of in middle-of-the- game

TheEroica2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

Apologists always know what to say... 👍
Is it possible to squeeze in one more excuses for FF7 sales? Go for it!

Tody_ZA1d 20h ago (Edited 1d 20h ago )

@TheEroica Understand the meaning of the words you use or don't use them. An apologist argues in defense of something controversial or problematic. Pointing out relevant facts that an analysis or article did not take into account is constructive feedback and discussion. There are great movies, games and other forms of art that don't sell as expected, but later gain financial success.

Example? The Godfather Part 2 underperformed financially compared to its predecessor but is widely hailed as one of the greatest films and sequels of all time and is still influential to this day. And no, I'm not comparing Final Fantasy 7 to the Godfather, before you draw that strawman. There is one loose similarity however in that Rebirth is also overwhelmingly acclaimed and considered superior to the first.

Given the decision to split Final Fantasy VII into three separate games, of which Rebirth released exclusively for PS5 leaving the PS4 install base behind, and the final installment due in 2027, the sales performance is a bit more of a conversation than you're trying to make it out to be.

Crows901d 22h ago

Didn't even mention price increases across the board for all games...this causes all people to be more picky and limit game purchases

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 1d 17h ago
GoodGuy093d ago

Unfortunate but it's the reality of sequels. And I simply just don't hear much people talk about rebirth and even remake as these titles just seem too hard to get into with many newcomers and old fans that are upset with the many changes.

Eonjay1d 18h ago

The games are really good and both acclaimed and Rebirth is even better than Remake with a 90+ metascore but if you don't want to 'hear' the praise... you probably wont.

TheProfessional1d 18h ago (Edited 1d 18h ago )

It's kind of ridiculous how some people here are just making stuff up to explain the low sales. Just because you bought the game and you like it doesn't mean it sold better than it did. Same with FFXVI.

rpvenom1d 9h ago

For me its cause now that i know it releases on pc.. id rather play it with mods on my pc than my ps5

Battlestar233d ago ShowReplies(8)
gold_drake3d ago

well, according to some other reports, it had 2.1 mio. players in the first week.

so, who to believe now.

ZeekQuattro2d ago

It's safe to say if it sold that Square would of made a sales milestone announcement like they did with past FF entries or other IPs in general. They did a FF16 sales update within 2 weeks after it launched for instance.

gold_drake2d ago

there is no way this game hasnt already sold more than remake.

there doesnt need to be an announcement for everything, especially not if they released several updates amd the ultimania.

people are too obsessed with sales

CrimsonWing692d ago

I think there’s a reason we haven’t seen a celebratory tweet from Square on the sales. It came out on Feb. 29th and it’s Apr. 13th right now… that ain’t a good sign. I think this one can reach 3 mill at some point but will be behind Remake, which when it comes to business, that ain’t good.

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