PS3 Game Pricing : $99.99?? (WTF)*

Inuyasha · Post by **Inuyasha** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 12:59 am

I doubt it's going to be $99.99 for a game, well maybe Madden, but interesting article :

http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3151823

*Before responding to this topic, please remember I dont own a 360 and I am not a MS fanboy Sony hater.

Sudz · Post by **Sudz** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 1:15 am

i buy way fewer games than i did for the xbox..that $60 tag.....$100? forget it

davet010 · Post by **davet010** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 3:43 am

For $100 (which I suspect will translate to about £60-70) the age of the impulse purchase or the 'this got 6/10, but it might be pretty good' will be gone.

The choice will narrow, as fewer smaller studios will be able to fund development of software on that level.

And, at that price, every game must be the most exciting, deep, longlasting and downright brilliant piece of software since the invention of Pong.

kevinpars · Post by **kevinpars** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 7:20 am

I remember the days when all I would buy would be the big 4 sports games and maybe 1 or 2 non sports games a year. Those days are coming back.

The nice thing about xbox live is the ability to download a demo (like Prey) and play through it and make a determination about whether you want to buy the game or not. In my case, the answer is often not.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 7:38 am

Sudz wrote:i buy way fewer games than i did for the xbox..that $60 tag.....$100? forget it

I can already think of some games that I probably would have purchased except the increase in prices meant cuts had to occur somewhere. MotoGP is a no-brainer purchase for me at $39.99 and a probable at $49.99. I didn't get Table Tennis even though it's pretty cheap because those extra $10s here and there left me with less money for the impulse buys. I would have bought College Hoops and NHL2K6 for the 360, except for the ridiculous price differences as compared to the Xbox version. I wouldn't have feared taking a shot at NFL Head Coach in the past, but I don't have $160 in my budget for football games with NCAA and Madden both at $60.

I seriously doubt PS3 games are more than $59.99, but nothing would surprise me at this point.

Boom · Post by **Boom** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 7:53 am

When I read the article I see a Sony Rep saying that it's a stretch to say that they'll be 99.99. Howver, something above 59.99 is quite possible. that's how I translate this piece anyay....

In an interview with PSM, the Sony leader explained. So, what I can say now is, I think it would be a bit of a stretch to think that we could suddenly turn around and say "PS3 games now $99.99" I don't think the consumers expect the software pricing to suddenly be double," he told the magazine. "So, if it becomes a bit higher than fifty-nine bucks don't ding me, but, again, as I said, I don't expect it to be a hundred bucks."

DivotMaker · Post by **DivotMaker** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 8:33 am

The increase in price might be attributed to the increase in cost of the BluRay DVD's. Along with maybe a "price premium" to possibly suggest that the PS3 version of the same game might be worth the additional investment over the 360 version. Keep in mind their pricing strategy for the consoles themselves and it does make sense. I don't see them trying to piss EVERY potential PS3 customer off with $99.99 game prices, but I do think that they will be targetting $79.99 or so to try to differentiate themselves from the 360 software. $ony is playing a pretty dangerous game with the perceptions of consumers. In the minds of many developers, especially Japanese developers, there is a great deal of negative thinking regarding PS3 from the business model to the development kits and difficulties programming for the machine.....they better be careful.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 9:38 am

$59.99 is too much for a video game! Now, Sony is going to charge the consumer even more? My goodness. Mom and Dad are going to buy their child a new game for $69, $79, or possibly even $89? I can't even begin to thing about $99! That's insane. I don't give a rats *** if MLB The Show is the most perfect sports game in video game history. To spend more than $60 for a game is absolutely ridiculous.

Thankfully, with a little patience games come down in price fairly quickly.

WillHunting · Post by **WillHunting** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 9:56 am

I am hoping Sony is not stupid enough to price games at above the $59.99 level. Anything higher will be crazy. If it is, I will just wait till year 3/4 of the PS3/360 life cycle before I buy so that at least I can pick up some cheap Greatest Hits type games.

XXXIV · Post by **XXXIV** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 10:14 am

Trial balloon to see what they can get away with...you dont see that single wing PS3 controller anymore do you?

There arent enough dopes in the world that they could get away with $99...BUT they may have the "loyal customers" to make $69-$79 work...

DivotMaker · Post by **DivotMaker** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 10:40 am

XXXIV wrote:BUT they may have the "loyal customers" to make $69-$79 work...

While you may be right to some degree, how much loyalty would you have to have to make the jump from a $129 console/$39 (on average) game model to a $599 console/$69-$79 game model?

I may be mistaken, but only the ultra-hardcore user would pay for such an increase IMHO. I consider myself pretty damn hardcore, but not at those prices. I hate to keep repeating this, but $ony's arrogance may indeed be blinding their business common sense if these rumored moves are factual.

GameSeven · Post by **GameSeven** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 11:17 am

I'd call BS on this as a rumor and wouldn't be surprised to see a Sony counter in days ahead if this story picks up steam, however, if it proves true, a number of thinking heads in Sony will need to pull their collective heads out of their asses.

-G7

kevinpars · Post by **kevinpars** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 11:39 am

Xbox 360 gamers are already paying a "premium" for the privilege of buying 360 games. In many cases, we are not getting much for our 'premium'. Unless you call high definition games with less options a premium.

It works both ways. MS cost companies like EA money because there was not enough hardware supply at launch, keeping down the install base. But uninspired first generation games have probably keep some people from jumping on the 360 bandwagon.

It will be interesting to see how this whole thing plays out in November. I will enjoy watching from the sidelines.

JRod · Post by **JRod** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 12:02 pm

Bill Harris said it best on his blog - "We are watching a company implode."

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 12:59 pm

Hello, Nintendo Wii ...

Take care,
PK

GameSeven · Post by **GameSeven** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 1:06 pm

kevinpars wrote:Xbox 360 gamers are already paying a "premium" for the privilege of buying 360 games. In many cases, we are not getting much for our 'premium'. Unless you call high definition games with less options a premium.

I slightly disagree. As someone who started this thread, http://digitalsportspage.com/modules.ph ... pic&t=9652" "$60 titles for next-gen", I'd have to say that I've been fairly pleased with much of the 360 lineup from launch through today. In many cases, I consider the price premium a subsidization of some of the conveniences of the platform: Live integration, standardized HD support and wireless play for all. And the graphics, though eye-candy, are to me, heads above the last-gen counterparts.

However, I have adjusted my budget accordingly and just don't buy nearly as much as I used to.

My point towards Sony is more regarding the arrogance surrounding the release of the PS3.

To this point, they have:
1. Ceded a one year window to MS to establish itself in the new generation
2. Ridiculed the 360 2 SKU solution, then employed same
3. Proposed a 'new' boomerang controller only to fall back, amid criticism, to the "tried-and-true" DS2 design....sans rumble and appearing to surprise PS3 developers with tacked-on motion sensing capabilities.
4. Targeted a price point that is substantially higher than it's closest competitor
5. Promised an as-yet-unrealized online strategy to rival it's chief competitor.

The mere suggestion that the market might have to consider a second MSRP bump in the new-generation would seem to be the continuance of an awfully bizarre launch strategy.

-G7

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 1:35 pm

GameSeven wrote:In many cases, I consider the price premium a subsidization of some of the conveniences of the platform:

What did the $399 sticker price subsidize?

Take care,
PK

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 1:39 pm

With the war between HD DVD and Blu-Ray starting in the movie department and DVD players, I doubt Sony will charge that much. Maybe in the 60-70 but not 100.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 1:49 pm

Even $60-70 is absolutely ridiculous when you can buy a new CD or DVD for less than $20. Not that I've done either of those in the last few years even though I've listened to a lot of new music and seen a few new films ...

My Strat-O-Matic Hockey brochure arrived in the mail while I was in Indy for the USGP. The prospects of me returning to my sports board game hobby are becoming greater and greater.

Hopefully the Wii will have a respectable price tag and some funky games along with that interesting controller, or it's looking like I'm taking a pass on the next generation. Nothing excites me at all in the "next generation" so far, outside of the Wii, like the PSX, DC, PS2 and eventually Xbox jacked me up.

Even the new football games aren't exciting me at all for the first time in a while. I've seen nothing about Madden or NCAA that screams "NEXT GEN!" other than graphics. Nothing about the game play seems to be a significant step forward.

Maybe it's the hobby; maybe it's me. But I'm almost singing the B.B. King standard: "The thrill is gone ... "

Take care,
PK

Danimal · Post by **Danimal** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 1:53 pm

GameSeven wrote:I'd call BS on this as a rumor and wouldn't be surprised to see a Sony counter in days ahead if this story picks up steam, however, if it proves true, a number of thinking heads in Sony will need to pull their collective heads out of their asses.

-G7

I didn't read the 1Up story linked, but this was in the news last week on next gen, and the quotes were taken directly from a Sony Exec. So I'm not sure how it is a rumor. He basically said we would be crazy to price the games at 99.99, but don't ding me if they are over 59.99.

My bet is 69.99

GameSeven · Post by **GameSeven** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 2:08 pm

pk500 wrote:
GameSeven wrote:In many cases, I consider the price premium a subsidization of some of the conveniences of the platform:
What did the $399 sticker price subsidize?

Take care,
PK

Touché. I should qualify what I mean as the 'subsidization' regards those titles available for multiple platforms.

I've been considering LOTR:BFME2, which can be had for PC for cheaper, but may consider the 360 version for the reasons offered above. Same goes for Hitman (less the Live integration). I can understand how these would be no brainers for some, but I'm probably not alone in approaching multi-platform titles in this way.

BTW, how much is SOM asking for their latest season sets? I remember them getting somewhat pricey last time I checked, but it's been a while.

-G7

GameSeven · Post by **GameSeven** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 2:14 pm

Danimal wrote:I didn't read the 1Up story linked, but this was in the news last week on next gen, and the quotes were taken directly from a Sony Exec. So I'm not sure how it is a rumor.

Point taken. Consider my reference to a 'rumor' as a 'feeler' instead. Just the same, I think they would be stupid to attempt to set the bar at $70 at this time.

-G7

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 2:31 pm

GameSeven wrote:BTW, how much is SOM asking for their latest season sets? I remember them getting somewhat pricey last time I checked, but it's been a while.

Deluxe set, cards and game: $37

Extra player cards: $9.75

Set of season player cards: $25

I'll need to get the full monte, as I played Strat hockey religiously in high school and college but let the hobby slip away. My boards, pieces and game cards also disappeared in the last 20 years or so.

I'm giving serious thought to buying it again. Just looking at the brochure has me pretty excited, remembering how whenever a goalie rating would come up on a card, I'd say, "GOOOOALIE RATING!" and flip the split card. Good times, great game.

Take care,
PK

sfz_T-car · Post by **sfz_T-car** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 2:44 pm

I fell off of Strat-O-Matic's mailing list the last time we moved houses. I miss getting the occasional envelope from the exotic sounding Glen Head, NY.

It doesn't look like prices have increased that dramatically, especially when you calculate by the hour. A good video game can bring the same level of enjoyment, plus they enjoy better resale value than a bunch of dog-eared, pizza stained Strat cards. But a $60-100 price point will make me less adventurous and I think overall will make the industry even more focused on blockbusters and sequels.

GameSeven · Post by **GameSeven** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 2:49 pm

pk500 wrote:Deluxe set, cards and game: $37

Extra player cards: $9.75

Set of season player cards: $25

Hmm... Maybe I was recalling the combined CPU and card game prices. May also have been APBA, can't remember.

Had some great times with Strat. For those prices, I should consider picking it up again. Thanks for the idea.

-G7