The prices for standard editions of modern games are too low, according to Michael Douse, head of the publishing department at Larian Studios. In his opinion, the price tags fail to keep up with the rising costs of game production.
Baldur’s Gate 3
Douse pointed out that, formally, many gamers already pay more than the standard $60-$70 for a game. Although companies are reluctant to increase prices for standard editions, they are widely offering expensive deluxe editions, which include various bonuses such as the ability to start playing a few days early or promises of future DLC access. According to Douse, this is an unprofessional approach by developers — it would be better to raise the price of standard editions directly than to artificially inflate it through other means.
However, Douse suggests that after the release of GTA VI, games might indeed become more expensive. It is expected that Take-Two Interactive and Rockstar Games will charge more than $70 for the base edition of GTA VI. This could motivate other companies to reconsider their pricing.
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.
— Very AFK (@Cromwelp) August 26, 2024