Weak Economy May Bring Cheaper Games

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The oft-cited "economic conditions" that are forcing publishers to cancel projects and lay off staff may also reverse the trend of new Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 games being priced at $60, according to Forbes and research firm Lazard Capital Markets.

The theory goes that as consumers seek to cut excess spending, they'll buy fewer full-priced games, forcing publishers to lower prices to increase sales.

In fact, Lazard analyst Colin Sebsastion suggests the trend may have already begun, as Activision Blizzard unexpectedly lowered the MSRP of Call of Duty: World at War, which released in early November, from $59.99 to $49.99 just before Christmas.

"While the move may be part of an annual promotion, we believe a $10 discount on one of the industry's top holiday releases highlights the risk of lower software pricing moving into the new year," he wrote in an investor note.

Along with Call of Duty: World at War, Sebastian noted that Guitar Hero World Tour got a price cut, as well as some titles from publishers Electronic Arts and Ubisoft.

Chris Faylor was previously a games journalist creating content at Shacknews.

From The Chatty
  • reply
    December 29, 2008 3:51 PM

    I want cheaper PC games, but I don't think that will happen.

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