The $70 Game: Are You Already Buying It?

Written by Ryan Johnson (RyanDJ) Wednesday, 24 August 2011 11:00

Jeremiah Hisel recently posted an article regarding how in the next generation, we could easily be paying $70 for a standard edition game. I see that $70 price point as a potential, but I also see a breaking point in cost when customers will stop buying new games. As of right now, I feel you are already paying $70 for some games, maybe even more.

First, Collector's Editions add everything from a cool box to a statue. One edition of a game was even advertised as "coming with" a vehicle! When Halo: Reach came out, you could choose to spend anything from $60-$150 depending on what special knick-knacks you wanted to use to show off your Halo love. (Let it be known, though, that if you wait a while, these prices come down: you can get Halo: Reach Legendary Edition for 1/3 off over at Amazon.)

Games such as Mortal Kombat have time release DLC for an additional fee. Yes, you have the option to NOT buy the extra characters, but many hardcore gamers are completionists, so that's pretty much money in the bank. Some DLC is more valuable, like when it comes out later and is substantial. I have heard the argument that content has to be approved, and that's why on-disc DLC is "okay" when released day one, but it just seems to cheapen the situation when you get home day one and already can put more money into it. Plus, in instances like Marvel vs. Capcom 3, all licenses are owned by both companies already, and one character would run a hefty percentage of a full game price. You could "buy" Jill and Shuma Gorath day one with the Collector's Edition, but they weren't "available" for a while. That's why I approve of the Ultimate edition of the game. I feel Capcom may have realized just how much all the extra content would cost, and that the public may tire of putting out so much money, bit by bit, to get the "complete" game.

I also feel that as prices go up, eventually gamers will not be able to continue purchasing. How high is too high of a price? Be on the lookout in the coming month for another article from me regarding this standoff and where people may flock instead of buying today's new blockbuster, as well as what game companies need to do to combat that issue.

So how about you? Will YOU pay $70 for your next generation game (or $80 if you're in Canada and already paying $70)? How much have you paid at most for a collector's edition, or uber-rare game? And your favorite game: how much would you pay for the memories made within? Sound off in the comments!