… or maybe retail games are too expensive? In the wake of news that GameStop’s sales and stocks have dropped significantly in the previous fiscal quarter, GameStop CEO Tony Bartel has stated in an investor call that the cheap prices for digital games could drive retail prices “dangerously” low. He also complained about the $100 million of free software in the form of digital games downloads were delivered along with console bundles:
“We want to help ensure that our industry does not make the same mistake as other entertainment categories by driving the perceived value of digital goods significantly below that of a physical game. When the free digital token programs end, we believe that the industry will need to work together to continue to price goods in a way that sustains profitability and encourages a great innovation that this category needs.”
In other words, Bartel is worried that GameStop could go the way of Blockbuster Videos.
Bartel said that the average price for a digital download game is $22, when consumers who were polled on what they expected to pay for a triple-A digital download title stated an average of $35. Bartell said that $22 is “clearly an unsustainable price point for a game that physically is at $60.” No kidding.
Meanwhile, Gamer Headlines would like to remind everyone that Steam’s Thanksgiving sale will be starting on Wednesday.
Do you prefer your games digital or retail? What are your thoughts on Bartel’s statements? Let us know in the comments.
Source: Gamespot
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