Video Games, one of the 21st centuries greatest past time. Countless hours are churned into this mammoth of home gaming entertainment. Millions upon millions are spent on games and the consoles in which to play them but are we beginning to pay too much? Has the cost become to great?
I personally remember walking in my local Game store and spending my hard earned pocket money on a game or two and still walking out with enough change to indulge in a Fish supper for the bus journey home. As of late, walking in with less than £30 will get you very little.
What has changed?
Although the launch of the next generation consoles was an exciting time, it came with a slightly steeper price than expected. In the UK market, the cost of a new, ‘all singing, all dancing ‘ video game for the next generation console will set ones bank account back roughly, a whopping £60! This is extraordinary pricing.
How can massive development companies justify this asking price?
I have heard some argue that it is due to the increased quality of the product, with better FPS ratings and graphic capabilites. In my mind, this does not justify that sort of RRP. These ‘bonuses’ to the experience are hereditary to the systems that created them. The development software is upgraded to give as standard the level of polish and shine that we expect.
Others have claimed that it is due to the increased number of staff required to create said games, yet companies such as Capcom have made redundancies throughout there entire work force, leading to less wages being paid, yet a major increase to the cost of games and merchandise.
I personally believe the answer is far more obvious and disheartening than any of these speculative theories. I find it quite simply to be greed. My reasoning for this is backed by some serious blunders of major companies of late.
The first and foremost is DLC, not the down – loadable content, I speak of Disc Locked Content. Simply put, this is a section of the game that is already designed and then printed onto the disc with the rest of the game, however to unlock this portion of content, you must part with MORE money to have it unlocked. This practice is shocking and just down right dirty. Yet people still pay for this.
Secondly (and probably one of my greatest hates in this industry) is Microtransactions. This business model has found its’ way into Triple A gaming franchises (I am looking at you Dragon Age: Inquisition) and has added absolutely no value what – so – ever. After purchasing the console ( let’s say the latest generation) for £350, followed by purchasing said game for £60, then having to buy a 1 years online pass for another £60 and then having to provide Internet and electricity to allow for the console. You are looking at in the region off £500 just to get started and then the manufacturer has the audacity to then tell you to spend even more money for an in game boost. This is madness!
Console gaming was meant to be accessable to everyone, whether rich or poor. This greedy influx is not only distasteful but is crippling to the industry as a whole. Gamers, for the most, are not finding that bang for your buck in modern gaming. Having to wade through 10 games to find that one that was money well spent is a disgrace. This is also a warning of what the future holds for the community.
Do you agree that the costs have risen for no apparent or sensible reason? Have companies just become plain greedy?
Let me know what you think.
As always,
Mmcd