We are in an era of video games where the standard price for major releases has been set at $70. This price point is already reflected in big games that are coming out on current platforms like the PS5 and Xbox Series X. Even Nintendo joined this trend with The Legend of Zelda: Tears of The Kingdom, which also launched at this price. However, some believe a new pricing standard could be established next year with the release of Grand Theft Auto 6.
Michael Douse, a developer behind Baldur’s Gate 3, recently expressed his thoughts on this topic. Speaking on X, he criticized what he called the “artificial pricing structures” of games today.
He said:
News:
Michael Douse, a developer behind Baldur’s Gate 3, recently expressed his thoughts on this topic. Speaking on X, he criticized what he called the “artificial pricing structures” of games today.
He said:
Douse suggested that, due to rising development costs, many games should have higher base prices. He pointed to GTA 6 as a potential trendsetter, noting that if Rockstar Games decides to price its next blockbuster above $70 and it sells well, other companies might follow this trend.I don’t love the artificiality of pricing structures post retail. Use the inflated base price to upsell a subscription, and use vague content promises to inflate ultimate editions to make the base price look better. It all seems a bit dangerous & disconnected from the community.
I think a game should be priced accordingly with its quality, breadth & depth. I’m not against higher prices, but this arbitrary uniformity just doesn’t make sense to me. It feels so unserious.
Almost all games should cost more at a base level because the cost of making them (inflation, for one) is outpacing pricing trends. But I don’t think we’ll get there with DLC promises so much as quality & communication. Everyone’s just waiting for GTA6 to do it lol.
News:

Baldur's Gate 3 Developer Thinks All Games Should Cost More at a Base Level, Says GTA 6 Might Raise Prices Over $70
Baldur's Gate 3 developer suggests game prices could rise above $70 with the release of GTA 6, setting a new standard in the industry.
mp1st.com