Marketplace Tech Have video games become unaffordable?
Sep 8, 2025
Video gaming is facing escalating costs, with new titles like Mario Kart World priced at $80 and Grand Theft Auto VI expected to exceed $100. The podcast delves into how perceptions of affordability have shifted over time, revealing gamer frustrations and historical pricing contexts. It also discusses the complexities of game development, technological advancements affecting production costs, and the financial strategies required for digital businesses to navigate this landscape. Are gamers unaware of how good they have it, or is the industry really unaffordable?
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Gamer Memory Of Cheaper Titles
- Chris remembers games costing £40 when he was a teenager and calls current prices "insane."
- He now waits for big price drops before buying new titles.
Prices Stable After Inflation
- Sam Nagy found that adjusted for inflation, new game prices historically sat around $90–$100.
- Recent $80–$90 titles are therefore consistent with long-term real prices, not unprecedented hikes.
Free Games Shift Expectations
- Free-to-play hits like Fortnite changed consumer expectations about spending on games.
- Paid full-price games now compete against free titles monetized via microtransactions.