Gaming Prices
Gaming Prices
In recent years there has been a significant rise in efforts to turn games into revenue streams via DLCs, exclusive content, boosts, in-game currency, loot boxes, and similar methods. This trend has sparked considerable debate within the gaming industry, as many view it as an anti-consumer approach. The issue lies in the growing cost of developing games—driven by inflation, healthcare expenses for workers, and other overheads—making AAA titles increasingly expensive to produce. Yet players remain comfortable spending large sums on smartphones that keep improving, while still expecting higher prices for games that have remained around $60 for years. What should game developers prioritize in terms of monetization? Should they continue with microtransactions or raise game prices?
This only impacts online gamers. Those who pay will pay. People get cracked and play for free, which is terrible for game development.
It seems this could be one reason Fallout chose to shift toward multiplayer, maybe because cracked versions played a role in their decision to leave the SP style.
I prefer to pay $70-$80 right away for a higher quality experience instead of handling six $25 DLCs. You can argue the developers "require the funds," but it’s clear a significant portion comes from pure self-interest.
The issue with many games such as Assassin's Creed Origins and Odyssey lies in the locked visuals and restricted gameplay content. I would never spend 60 euros on Ubisoft for a single-player game with locked paid features. Playing Origins with or without unlimited gold is a completely different experience. I quickly gain access to powerful weapons and stunning visual equipment that is nearly impossible to obtain legally unless you're prepared to invest around 500 hours grinding for gold.
There are also games like Witcher 3, which I believe is the best illustration of how DLC works. I gladly purchased the game with both expansions because those expansions are worth their price. In fact, they could have released Blood and Wine under a "Witcher 4" title for full value, and people would still rate it 10 out of 10 because that expansion was outstanding. A massive new world with numerous quests, an engaging main story, and memorable characters. For just 15 euros, it surpasses many full-price AAA titles.
Of course, multiplayer games are also part of the picture. As a soldier, I know we only live once—that’s how I live. I tend to waste money in multiplayer games because gaming and PC play are my passions. I usually do this in games I’m deeply invested in. I don’t see a problem with spending in online games if you want to make a statement.
Those who claim spending a lot on video games is foolish are hypocritical. My dad, for instance, would often scold me for wasting money on games while he was smoking 300 euros worth of cigarettes every month.