Game Pricing
Ongoing coverage on Game Pricing.
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Remedy Entertainment touts pricing Control Resonant 'attractively for an AAA title'
Remedy Entertainment CEO Jean-Charles Gaudechon stated that Control Resonant will be priced attractively at $60 for an AAA title, aiming to stand out in a competitive autumn release window. The company is self-publishing the game after mixed results with previous efforts and is facing financial challenges, with Q2 2026 revenue down 40 percent. Despite this, Remedy is confident in Control Resonant's potential, citing over 1.5 million wishlists and strong pre-order rankings.
Games Inbox: Is the EA Sports FC 27 Ultimate Plus Edition worth it?
Readers express frustration over the increasing cost of special editions for games like EA Sports FC 27 and NBA 2K27, criticizing the industry's perceived disregard for customers. Concerns are also raised about technical issues in Halo: Campaign Evolved and the future of Xbox, while a new Resident Evil movie trailer is praised for its faithfulness to the game's tone.
Why Bonus Buy Slots Divide Players
Players now evaluate video games based on a wide range of factors beyond the initial price, including time investment, ongoing costs, social value, and the clarity of incentives. This shift means that even free-to-play titles like Valorant or established franchises like Grand Theft Auto VI must offer perceived value through cosmetics, community engagement, and fair gameplay to retain player interest and spending.
Premium Budget Entertainment at Modern Entertainment Platforms in New Zealand
Modern players evaluate games beyond their upfront price, considering factors like time investment, updates, social value, and ongoing costs. Free-to-play titles like Valorant and established franchises like Grand Theft Auto VI demonstrate how pricing models and player expectations for value have evolved. Players now scrutinize incentives, terms, and the perceived fairness of digital offers before committing.
The 7/10 Game Is Quietly the Best Thing on Game Pass
This article argues that the true value of services like Xbox Game Pass lies not in its blockbuster day-one releases, but in its vast library of "7/10" games. These competent, enjoyable titles offer a low-stakes way to discover new experiences without the commitment of a full-price purchase, making the subscription worthwhile even after recent price increases.
Rockstar Should Charge $200 for GTA 6, Analyst Says, as It'll Be 'The Last Great Game' Before Everything is Built Using AI
An analyst suggests that Rockstar Games should price Grand Theft Auto 6 at $200, arguing it will be the last major game released before artificial intelligence dominates game development. The analyst believes the current proposed $80 price point is significantly undervalued.
Dutch consumer group suing PlayStation argues the end of physical discs just proves its point: 'Sony alone decides what a game costs and even how long you are allowed to use it'
A Dutch consumer group, Stichting Massaschade & Consument, is suing Sony for €400 million over its 30% PlayStation Store tax, arguing that the upcoming discontinuation of physical discs by 2028 will give Sony complete control over game pricing and usage. The group compares Sony's practices to those of Apple and Steam, highlighting concerns about consumer ownership and lack of alternatives.
The Pokemon Company has been wanting to increase price of Pokemon games for some time
The Pokemon Company has reportedly been looking to increase the price of its mainline Pokemon games since the release of Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield. This information was allegedly discovered during a data leak known as 'Teraleak'.
Report Shows Games Likely to Be More Expensive Once Physical Game Discs End Production
A report indicates that game prices are likely to increase with the cessation of physical disc production, as digital storefronts like the PlayStation Store are consistently more expensive than retail. This shift would give companies like Sony Interactive Entertainment and Microsoft greater control over game pricing, potentially eliminating the competitive pricing found in retail and the second-hand market.
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced launches to "Mixed" Steam reviews amid complaints about microtransactions and $80 DLC, Ubisoft fires back that they're "never a requirement"
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced has launched to mixed reviews on Steam, with players criticizing the game's $80 DLC and microtransactions, which offer gameplay advantages. Ubisoft responded by stating the standard edition is a complete experience and the additional packs are optional. The company also defended its stance on microtransactions, claiming they enhance player enjoyment.
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced’s DLC Packs “Entirely Optional,” Says Ubisoft After Backlash
Ubisoft faced backlash for releasing expensive, gameplay-affecting DLC packs for Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced on launch day, despite the game being priced at $70. The company stated that the Standard Edition is a complete experience and the additional packs are optional extras. The remake, which includes content from the original 2013 title, has reportedly sold over 300,000 copies on Steam.
PS Plus Essential July 2026 Monthly Free Games Rolling Out Now
Sony has begun rolling out the PlayStation Plus Essential free games for July 2026, including Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, For the King II, and CrossCode for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. This announcement comes amidst backlash over Sony's decision to end disc production for PlayStation 5 games and speculation about upcoming price increases for the PlayStation Plus subscription service.
"This is all about control" - industry experts speak on Sony's move away from discs, and what this means for the PlayStation 6 and the cost of games
Sony has announced it will cease production of physical game discs in January 2028, a move industry experts believe signals a disc-less PlayStation 6 likely launching in 2028. This decision is expected to reduce console manufacturing costs and shift the market further towards digital distribution, impacting game pricing and consumer ownership. While some see it as a necessary evolution, concerns remain about preservation and the second-hand market.
Games Inbox: Why is Sony going digital-only with the PS5?
Readers express concern over Sony Interactive Entertainment's decision to transition the PlayStation 5 to digital-only by January 2028, fearing the loss of physical media, resale value, and the impact on businesses like CeX. The move is seen as a step towards a future where consumers 'own nothing,' with some readers vowing to switch to Xbox or focus on retro gaming.
Consoles continue their trend of just becoming worst PCs
The article argues that modern consoles like PlayStation and Xbox are becoming inferior versions of PCs, losing their unique advantages. Factors like the shift to digital-only, rising prices, and the diminishing value of exclusives are making PCs a more compelling and flexible gaming platform.
Sony announces it is ending physical disc production for new games come 2028
Sony has announced that it will cease physical disc production for new PlayStation games starting January 1, 2028. This shift to digital-only releases for new titles on PlayStation 5 and future consoles aims to reduce costs and align with market trends. The decision impacts the ownership model for consumers and raises concerns about potential price markups in digital storefronts.
Games Inbox: Will the PS6 really cost £1,000?
Readers discuss concerns about the potential high price of the PlayStation 6, with some predicting it could exceed £1,000. The discussion touches on the rising costs of game development, the shift towards digital-only releases, and whether next-generation consoles offer enough compelling new features to justify such an expense.
Why I’m glad GTA 6 is killing physical media for gaming - Reader's Feature
This reader's feature argues that the end of physical media for games, exemplified by Grand Theft Auto 6's digital-only release, is a positive development. The author highlights environmental benefits, potential cost savings through digital distribution, and improved accessibility for smaller developers, while also addressing common concerns about digital ownership and game sharing.
After GTA 6's controversial code-in-a-box decision, Marvel's Wolverine devs confirm the PS5 game comes with a…
Insomniac Games has confirmed that the physical edition of Marvel's Wolverine for PlayStation 5 will include a disc, addressing concerns raised by the controversial 'code-in-a-box' decision for Grand Theft Auto 6. The studio also indicated that Marvel's Wolverine will retail for $69.99, with a Deluxe Edition available for $79.99.
Xbox Series S Has Gone From No-Brainer To No Thank You
The Xbox Series S, once a compelling budget option for current-gen gaming and Game Pass, has lost its appeal due to significant price increases for both the console and the subscription service. Coupled with technical limitations that have impacted game development, such as the exclusion of local co-op in Baldur's Gate 3, the Series S is no longer considered an affordable or clear choice for consumers.