Former SIE President Says $70 or $80 is a “Steal” for “Really Great Games”

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For quite some time now, the cost of video games has been a recurring topic, particularly intensifying when Nintendo set Mario Kart World at a price point of $79.99. In response, Bill Trinen, Vice President of Product and Player Experience at Nintendo of America, explained that the matter revolves around content and worth, with numerous other Switch 2 games still available for prices ranging from $60 to $70.

Many people believe that an increase in prices within the industry is unavoidable, particularly given upcoming releases such as “Grand Theft Auto 6”. Joining this perspective is Shuhei Yoshida, a former president of SIE Worldwide Studios. In an interview with Critical Hit Games at Gamescom Latam (as reported by GamesRadar), he stated, “In the broader scheme of things, other products have seen significant price hikes. Therefore, I think it’s overdue for video game companies to reconsider their pricing structure.

I think it’s important to recognize that not every game should cost the same. Each game carries a unique worth or expense associated with its production. It’s entirely reasonable for publishers, or even independent developers themselves, to price their product in line with the value they deem appropriate.”

He had commended Sandfall Interactive’s Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 for this strategy, acknowledging its impressive quality despite being developed by a smaller team.

Regarding the cost of around $70-$80 for exceptional games, I believe it remains a bargain given the level of enjoyment these top-quality games offer compared to other entertainment options. If individuals make wise decisions about their spending, I don’t expect them to have any complaints.

Absolutely, it’s worth discussing games that cost between $70 and $80 without delivering a satisfying gaming experience. For instance, you have titles like Call of Duty, which are loaded with microtransactions, yet they appear to be maintaining the new $80 price tag, according to recent updates.

It’s not yet clear if Sony will adjust the pricing for upcoming game titles. As of now, two highly anticipated PS5 exclusives, “Death Stranding 2: On the Beach” and “Ghost of Yōtei,” are still priced at $70. However, potential tariffs could lead to an increase in the console’s price.

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2025-05-18 20:41