Video Game Pricing
Ongoing coverage on Video Game Pricing.
Latest coverage
Until Dawn 2 is notably cheaper than most first-party PlayStation games, but is this anything to be worried about?
Until Dawn 2 has been priced at £45 on the PlayStation Store, making it notably cheaper than most full-priced first-party PlayStation Studios games. This lower price point raises questions about the potential length of the adventure, though the game features a new cast and setting on Akishima Island.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake price leaks through Nintendo itself, and it's one of the cheaper Switch…
The price for a rumored remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time on Nintendo Switch 2 has reportedly leaked via the Australian Nintendo Store at AU$94.95, suggesting a $60 USD price point. This places it similarly to Yoshi's Crafted World and below other premium releases like Donkey Kong Country Returns and Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, indicating Nintendo may view it as a traditional remake rather than a full-scale reimagining.
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation Collector's Edition is $350 and comes with a huge Cloud, Sephiroth, and Zack statue
Square Enix has revealed the Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Collector's Edition, priced at $350 and including a large statue of Cloud, Zack, and Sephiroth. The edition also bundles the Deluxe Edition content, which features two DLC expansions, a mini-soundtrack, artbook, steelbook, and a Magic: The Gathering card. This collector's edition is exclusive to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch players.
Sony Interactive Entertainment to pay $7.85 million settlement regarding digital game prices
Sony Interactive Entertainment has agreed to a $7.85 million settlement in a class action lawsuit alleging anticompetitive conduct related to digital game prices on PlayStation. The lawsuit claimed SIE's actions, including stopping third-party retailers from selling digital codes, led to consumers paying higher prices between April 2019 and December 2023. Sony denies any wrongdoing, and the court has not ruled on the merits of the claims.
Sony To Pay Out Nearly $8 Million In Class-Action Settlement Over Game Prices
Sony is set to pay out nearly $8 million to PlayStation customers as part of a settlement concerning digital game prices on the PlayStation Store. The lawsuit alleged Sony maintained a monopoly over prices by controlling publisher pricing and eliminating competition from third-party retailers selling digital codes. Sony is not admitting wrongdoing as part of the settlement.
Welcome To GameSpot Cheap Week
GameSpot is launching 'Cheap Week,' a series of features dedicated to exploring the rising costs of video games and consoles. The initiative aims to provide readers with insights into why games are so expensive and offer practical advice on how to play more while spending less, including tips on mods, game libraries, and budget-friendly titles.
GTA 6 might not technically be $100, but it's had its cake and ate it too as pre-orders are 'skewing more to…
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick stated that pre-orders for Grand Theft Auto 6 are skewing towards the more expensive $100 edition, suggesting that avid consumers are pre-ordering now. The article discusses how the game's pricing, with an $80 standard and $100 premium version, effectively positions it as a $100 game due to the content locked behind the higher tier.
'Our goal is to deliver way more value to consumers than what we charge them' — Take-Two CEO says GTA 6 'will be an incredible bargain' at its $80 base price
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick defended Grand Theft Auto 6's $80 base price, stating the company's goal is to deliver more value than charged, making it an 'incredible bargain.' He contrasted this with NBA 2K27's $70 price and highlighted Grand Theft Auto Online's longevity as proof of sustained consumer engagement. The article also mentions Grand Theft Auto 6 will launch on November 19 with Standard and Ultimate Editions.
GTA 6 might not cost $100, but most of the people pre-ordering it are buying it at that price, Take-Two reveals
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick revealed that pre-orders for Grand Theft Auto 6 are exceeding expectations, with a significant number of players opting for the more expensive Ultimate edition. Zelnick believes this indicates that avid consumers, who value in-game content, are the primary pre-order demographic. The company has also increased its earnings forecast for fiscal year 2027 in anticipation of the game's November 19th release.
GTA 6 "will be an incredible bargain" at $80, says Take-Two CEO, as the Rockstar owner isn't trying…
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick stated that Grand Theft Auto 6 will be an "incredible bargain" at its $80 price point, emphasizing the company's focus on delivering value rather than maximizing profits. He noted that the real cost of AAA games has decreased over time, and Rockstar Games is known for exceeding expectations, citing the continued engagement with GTA Online after 13 years. Despite strong pre-order numbers, Zelnick cautioned against premature celebration.
Wolverine on PS5 is considerably cheaper on disc than digital download
The upcoming PlayStation 5 exclusive game Wolverine will be available for a lower price on disc from various retailers compared to its digital download cost. While Sony's standard digital edition is priced at £69.99, physical copies can be found for as low as £57.99. A digital-only special edition is also available for £79.99, offering additional in-game content.
Hey UK physical PS5 game fans, Marvel's Wolverine has just got a major discount and it's not even out yet
Marvel's Wolverine for PlayStation 5 has received a significant pre-order discount in the UK, dropping from £69.99 to £57.99 at Smyths Toys. This news comes as Sony is phasing out physical game releases after January 2028, making this a potentially rare physical edition from Insomniac Games. In the US, the game is currently listed at its full $69.99 price.
Issues and Activism
Ubisoft is facing backlash for re-releasing Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag at a $60 price point, which includes $85 worth of microtransactions. This move has sparked criticism regarding the pricing model and the inclusion of extensive in-game purchases for a previously released title.
GTA 6's price shows gaming's $80 luxury-tier is here to stay, and I don't want to upgrade my setup…
The $80 price tag for Grand Theft Auto 6, along with a $100 Ultimate Edition, signals a new luxury tier for AAA games that may alienate consumers. While the price is considered reasonable for Grand Theft Auto 6 due to its market power, the author fears this will set a precedent for other major publishers like Electronic Arts and Sony. This trend, combined with rising console and subscription costs, could price many gamers out of the hobby, potentially leading to a negative feedback loop similar to that seen in the music and film industries.
It's wild of Rockstar to ask us for $80, minimum, without showing a GTA 6 gameplay trailer
The article criticizes Rockstar Games for opening preorders for Grand Theft Auto 6 at a minimum price of $80 without releasing a gameplay trailer. It highlights the frustration of paying a premium for a game whose core mechanics have not been demonstrated, especially with the existence of a more expensive "Ultimate Edition." The author also expresses concern about the potential lack of a PC version at launch and Rockstar's perceived arrogance in this marketing approach.
After Confirming $80 Price For GTA 6 And Preorders, Take-Two Stock Is Predicted To Rip
Following the confirmation of Grand Theft Auto 6's $80 price point and the start of preorders, stock analysts have issued positive price targets for Take-Two Interactive. Despite a recent dip in stock value, analysts from Bank of America, BMO Capital, TD Cowen, B. Riley Securities, and BTIG predict significant gains, with some targets exceeding $300 per share. The article also touches on the game's November 19 release date for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, and dismisses concerns about AI's impact on the company's business.
Few things get me excited like these big GTA 6 moments, but we need to talk about digital game ownership - and fast
The author expresses excitement for Grand Theft Auto 6's upcoming release, particularly its promotional screenshots, but pivots to discuss concerns about digital game ownership and pricing. The article critiques the move away from physical discs, the potential for revoked licenses, and the increasing cost of games, arguing for a consumer right to true ownership rather than just a license.
Grand Theft Auto VI Preorders Are Live
Preorders for Grand Theft Auto VI are now live, with the Standard Edition priced at $80 and the Ultimate Edition at $100, both releasing on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Preordering includes the Vintage Vice City Pack and a free month of GTA+ for digital purchases. The game features dual protagonists, Jason and Lucia, in the Florida-inspired state of Leonida and boasts a massive map including a return to Vice City.
GTA 6 – 15 New Details You Need to Know
Rockstar Games has revealed new details for Grand Theft Auto 6, including its $80 standard edition and $100 Ultimate Edition price point. The article highlights various new and returning vehicles, detailed interiors, water combat, and exclusive content for the Ultimate Edition such as unique weapons, customization options, and tattoo parlors. The game will feature extensive DualSense support on PlayStation 5, including haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.
Grand Theft Auto 6’s $80 Price Won’t Change Current $70 Baseline for AAA Games, Say Analysts
Industry analysts suggest that Grand Theft Auto 6's $80 price point will not immediately shift the AAA game baseline but may lead to more pricing variance. While some marquee titles might adopt higher prices, many games will likely stick to the $70 baseline due to consumer sensitivity and the need to 'earn' higher prices through established franchise value. Companies like Nintendo and Rockstar Games have unique pricing power due to their strong brand recognition and perceived value.
