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- If Rockstar prices GTA VI at $100, it could set a precedent for higher game prices, making gaming less affordable.
- Raising game prices won’t guarantee better quality; developers should focus on polished, complete games instead.
- Digital-only purchases further complicate high prices, as players risk losing access to games they’ve paid for.
Over recent years, the gaming industry has undergone significant changes, with rising development costs driven by the pursuit of better graphics, evolving technologies, and shifting consumer expectations. As a result, developers have also increased the cost of their games for consumers.
No game justifies a higher price tag, even with these technological advancements. Yet, Rockstar has reportedly decided to sell its highly anticipated GTA VI for more than $70. If this happens, it could set a dangerous precedent for the entire industry, ultimately harming gamers more than benefiting developers.
The Risk Of Normalizing $100 Games
For decades, gaming prices have fluctuated. Some developers have set prices at $60–$70, due to inflation and rising development costs. However, even $70 isn’t ideal, and not justified for many players to play great games at that price.
Many rumors suggest that GTA VI will be priced at nearly $100, with the belief that Rockstar aims to cover development costs and “save” the gaming industry. If Rockstar starts charging more, it will likely become a trend. Other companies see Rockstar benefitting from higher prices, they will eventually do the same.
We’ve seen similar trends before. When in-game microtransactions became widely accepted, they quickly spread across the industry and became a business model for the developers. If Rockstar successfully introduces a $100 base price, it’s only a matter of time before others follow, pushing gaming costs to unsustainable levels.
However, not every game is as anticipated as GTA VI, nor does every game justify a high price. Additionally, many players won’t be able to afford multiple $100 games, or even GTA VI at that price, making gaming less accessible and potentially harming the industry.
When players stop buying games due to high costs, companies may be forced to cut budgets, cancel sequels, lay off employees, and scrap new projects to save money. Last year saw over 2,700 layoffs in the gaming industry. If this continues, it could push the industry back to square one, leaving studios in an even worse financial position.
Is Playtime A Justification For Price?
Some argue that if a game offers hundreds of hours of entertainment, it’s worth the price. If a player spends 100+ hours in GTA VI, wouldn’t that justify a $100 cost?
This logic doesn’t hold up on a broader scale, as not everyone values playtime the same way. Some people may complete the game in 200 hours, while others finish it in 20. Pricing should be based on value, not on potential playtime, as it doesn’t account for individual gaming habits or financial situations.
Shorter games have also provided incredible experiences. For example, The Last of Us offers a 20-25-hour campaign yet is regarded as a masterpiece. If we start equating game prices to playtime, where does that leave these titles?
We are currently in a cost-of-living crisis, with prices rising on everything. Matthew Ball pointed out in his report that inflation affects gaming too, but there is a limit. If prices rise too much, players will simply stop buying games or wait for discounts.
Instead of increasing prices, companies should cut excessive CEO bonuses to support developers and should prioritize storytelling over ultra-realistic graphics, which often leads to overspending.
The Digital Ownership Dilemma
Another major concern is that modern games are increasingly shifting towards digital purchases, which undermine their value. Unlike physical copies, which retain long-term value, digital games are tied to online platforms, meaning players lose access if a company decides to remove a title from the store.
Ubisoft’s controversial decision to remove older games from digital libraries has already demonstrated the risks of digital-only ownership. This makes paying higher prices for digital games even less appealing.
Gaming is already an expensive hobby, consoles alone cost hundreds of dollars. Adding such a high price for games makes gaming even less inclusive. Why would players spend $100 on a digital game that might be removed from stores later?
Game prices shouldn’t go beyond $70 or it could cause serious problems for gamers everywhere. Instead of making gaming too expensive, studios should focus on making good, complete games, because without players, the industry can’t survive.
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[Comparisons Expert]
Shehryar Khan, a seasoned PC hardware expert, brings over three years of extensive experience and a deep passion for the world of technology. With a love for building PCs and a genuine enthusiasm for exploring the latest advancements in components, his expertise shines through his work and dedication towards this field. Currently, Shehryar is rocking a custom loop setup for his built.
Get In Touch: shehryar@tech4gamers.com
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