How easy is it to gauge a proper price point for a game? Length? Series reputation? Content? Cassidee Moser of Leviathyn.com debates these points.
(PC, PS3, Rayman Origins, Wii, Xbox 360)
I think there are probably only a handful of games each year that are worth the $60 price tag. More often than not those games that are reduced in price by more than 40% a few months after release reflect what the game should have retailed from day one. Most games this gen on 360 and PS3 shouldn't be more than $53 on the high end and $25 on the low end.
I agree that Uncharted 2 is an example of what some would call a game worthy of the $60 price tag. However most games this generation dont reach that level of quality. What's worse is there are places around the world where they pay up to $100 per game :(
Many people can't afford to buy a new game at 59.99 whenever they want. I think I speak for a lot of people when I say that, myself included. About $39.99 at release is the sweet spot. That way more games get sold and enjoyed, at least, theoretically.
Are they 'worth' $60 at release? If you compare a movie ticket price and the length of a movie to a game price and the length of a game. It's yes ten times out of ten. So technically yes, it's worth it. But that doesn't mean people can buy it.
There are always going to be people that buy an overpriced product. So all we need is patience. Like himdeel said, after a few months the price drops considerably, so the bright side is that with patience we get the good deals. Although, we need those good prices (at launch) now more than ever.
It isn't a reflection of content as much as market principles. If u have a really popular game, u can sell it for $60 and get a lot of new purchases. Then the market dictates if it was right. Publishers don't mind starting at $60 to get money from the hardcore fans that want to play it immediately and then others when the price drops. A lot of games have added multi player etc. to extend the content but also to increase revenue. It is this and initial price point as well as development costs. Many games are not cheap to make and thus if they cannot sell it for $60, it won't b made. And u have to follow previous templates. Once a certain type of game is released, others must follow suit. But the most important issue is supply and demand. U will sell it for as much as u can to maximize profits regardless of content (though it will catcb up to u...ie. CoD).
When you stay up late thinking of it. When all you want to do is spend the rest of your life with it. Have game saves with it. When expressing yourself on paper is near impossible and no matter what you write it doesn't represent the feelings you have for it.
When you stand in line the night before even when there isn't one. When all other video games in the world just don't sing to your wallet like this one does. When you work extra hours, clean your room, and stalk it over the net, sifting through every article and website in hopes of learning any possible secrets that can hurt you...and your wallet.
When you find out there's a waiting period and you're last. It's got a waiting list so long you feel you may be left out in the cold on release day. When you feel that it's your responsiblilty to convince it that you're THE ONE and can take care of it for the rest of it's life. You offer your love through boxed sets and collector's editions. When you are willing to take all the baggage it comes with, taking in all the dlc and expansion packs. When you are willing to ask for the approval of it's DRM, hoping you're authorized by the superior power, even hoping moreso that this DRM will allow you to keep it forever. No need to worry about the other parent of control, online pass is always there with open arms....as long as you have that 10 dollar bill.
Good Campaign = $20 - $30 (depending on length) Co-op Campaign = +$5 Multi-player = +$10 Regular Updates = +$10 Bonus Content = +$5 On-Disc DLC = -$5 Next Game in Series Within 1 Year = -$10
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Are they 'worth' $60 at release? If you compare a movie ticket price and the length of a movie to a game price and the length of a game. It's yes ten times out of ten. So technically yes, it's worth it. But that doesn't mean people can buy it.
I end up buying US Collector Editions, which are about the same. (love the art-books)
When you stand in line the night before even when there isn't one. When all other video games in the world just don't sing to your wallet like this one does. When you work extra hours, clean your room, and stalk it over the net, sifting through every article and website in hopes of learning any possible secrets that can hurt you...and your wallet.
When you find out there's a waiting period and you're last. It's got a waiting list so long you feel you may be left out in the cold on release day. When you feel that it's your responsiblilty to convince it that you're THE ONE and can take care of it for the rest of it's life. You offer your love through boxed sets and collector's editions. When you are willing to take all the baggage it comes with, taking in all the dlc and expansion packs. When you are willing to ask for the approval of it's DRM, hoping you're authorized by the superior power, even hoping moreso that this DRM will allow you to keep it forever. No need to worry about the other parent of control, online pass is always there with open arms....as long as you have that 10 dollar bill.
Co-op Campaign = +$5
Multi-player = +$10
Regular Updates = +$10
Bonus Content = +$5
On-Disc DLC = -$5
Next Game in Series Within 1 Year = -$10
That's a good pricing model for me.