I really don’t know what to tell you! With how much it cost to just make one single triple-A game, I’d be shocked if the games continue to be $60! Whether you like it or not, $70 is going to be the norm going forward!
2K, to no one’s surprise, was the first to ask for $70 for their next NBA game! As surreal as that is, I was not shocked or surprised in the slightest. In fact, I talked about it in SHOULD GAMES COST MORE THAN WHAT WE’RE CURRENTLY PAYING FOR? IS $80 FOR A GAME TOO EXPENSIVE?, in which I explained why I believed that $70-$80 games would not be out of the norm! Here’s what 2K had to say about it:
“We believe our suggested retail price for NBA 2K21 on next-generation platforms fairly represents the value of what’s being offered: power, speed, and technology that is only possible on new hardware,” the representative told Ars Technica. “While we are confident that NBA 2K21 will be a monumental leap forward for the franchise and a standout visual showcase on next-generation consoles, we recognize that it’s our responsibility to prove this value to our fans and NBA 2K players.”
Of course, I’ve seen the community react to it already! One of the arguments is that MTX (micro-transaction), should be enough for them to make their money back and that adding an extra $10 is greedy! That would be true if it was that linear and simple! The truth of the matter is that businesses not only have to break-even but actually make a profit, enough of it to invest in future projects. That’s how sequels are determined you know? MTX came about to try and remedy that problem, but thanks to gamers not speaking with their wallets, it worked out so great, it’s become a mainstay, and in a funny twist, is expected in games by some players!
Also, they have investors that they need to impress! No investor wants to invest in a business that does not grow continuously! That just how it is! Of course, some games like 2K21 shouldn’t cost $70 seeing as it’s a yearly game, however, that will be up to the community to vote with their wallet! If they pay that price for a 2K21 game, then it is what it is! However, games like Cyberpunk 2077 that ambitious as hell would be an example of games that are worth that price!
It sucks to see the cost of gaming go up in price but that’s what happens when you’re trying to push the envelope in what’s possible in gaming, or want to please your investors.
