In the dynamic world of video games, change is a constant companion. One of the most talked-about shifts in recent times is the rising cost of games, and a big player in the industry, Bandai Namco, is diving headfirst into this game price trend with their highly anticipated release, Tekken 8.
Game Prices on the Move
In the past, console games usually had a price tag of $59.99. However, the ever-increasing costs of making games have pushed publishers to rethink their pricing strategies. This has led to a shift in the game price trend, with many next-gen titles now hitting the shelves at $69.99. Bandai Namco’s decision to raise their game prices is all about keeping up with the changing times. Also, ensuring their bottom line stays healthy. And to be honest, we cannot really blame them.
Bandai Namco’s last release, Armored Core VI, stuck with the familiar $59.99 price point. However, when it comes to Tekken 8, they’ve decided to follow the crowd. The game is now priced at $69.99 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam. This move puts Bandai Namco in the same field as other publishers who’ve already jumped on the $69.99 game price trend.
A Ripple Effect on the Industry
The primary reason behind this increasing game price trend is simple: money. By leading the way, Bandai Namco is likely to pave the path for other Japanese gaming giants like SEGA and Capcom to adopt the $69.99 price tag soon. Even Nintendo, a heavyweight in the gaming world, has had success with pricier games. Just look at Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, which sold over 10.5 million copies in a single quarter.
With inflation and economic factors playing a role, we can expect more games to go with a $69.99 price tag. In fact, it is not that hard to imagine anymore for it to go even higher. This change reflects the growing costs of creating, producing, in addition to distributing games. Yes, this shift might be a tough pill for gamers to swallow. However, it’s essential to understand that the gaming industry must adapt to this game price trend. And, of course, the constantly evolving gaming landscape.
Final Thoughts
The game pricing landscape is evolving rapidly, and Bandai Namco’s decision to raise prices with Tekken 8 highlights their readiness to embrace this change. As we eagerly await the release of Tekken 8, it’s becoming clear that $69.99 is the new game price trend for next-gen titles. While this shift might not be everyone’s cup of tea, it’s a necessary step for publishers to stay resilient as well as flourish in an ever-changing market.
