IbizaPocholo
NeoGAFs Kent Brockman
Speaking with GamingBolt in a recent interview, Pachter suggested that individual instances of price increases by publishers don’t necessary have to point to the onset of an industry trend, and that price increases will instead be dependent on console MSRP for games and platform holders- citing the example of Microsoft, who, thanks to Smart Delivery, likely won’t be moving to the $70 model anytime soon (lest they increase Xbox One game prices as well).
“It really comes down to what the console MSRP is for games,” Pachter said. “Microsoft has been pretty clear with Smart Delivery, which they have said is free for current to next gen upgrades. So if Smart Delivery is free, unless Microsoft raises the price of current gen games from $60 to $70, they can’t price their games at $70. And next gen games from them will be $60.
“I think 2K pricing their game at $70 is going to upset customers. And I get that it’s worth it, I get that inflation is a thing, and that game prices haven’t increased in years. But the fact is, if the platform holders don’t suggest a $70 price point, then third party publishers will look greedy by asking for $10 more.”
“I don’t know if it’s going to happen,” he added. “I think what we’re seeing is publishers trying to figure out what they will do with regards to pricing, and I have to imagine Sony didn’t help anybody announcing Miles Morales at $50 and Demon’s Souls at $70.”
Later, he added, “I don’t think everyone will charge $70.”