Video Games No Longer Have Standard Price Tags, Each Game Will be Priced Differently – Analyst

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Mat Piscatella, an analyst from Circana, predicts that video game prices could rise in the coming years, although not all games may reach $80 like “Mario Kart World” this year. In an interview with GamesRadar, he described 2025 as a kind of “Wild West” for game pricing, because the most popular games of the year have been priced at various levels. Ultimately, Piscatella suggests that game publishers will need to consider their target audience when deciding whether to increase prices, understanding that higher prices could lead to fewer sales.

As a gamer, it feels like the Wild West out here with game launches. There’s more diversity in pricing and strategies than ever before. Some titles are aiming for the premium market, while others are launching at cheaper prices. The size of the game, quality, and other factors all play a role in this mix. Publishers and developers are constantly trying to find the perfect balance for their pricing strategy. Sometimes, they choose a higher price, knowing they might attract fewer people but those who buy will be passionate and dedicated. Other times, they opt for a lower price to reach a larger audience. It’s an exciting time to be a gamer!

Additionally, Piscatella points out that top-tier AAA games must still contend with a wide range of pricing options, including mega-popular, free-to-play games such as Fortnite and Roblox.

In today’s market, it seems everyone is grappling with finding their footing, as the main challenge for new games no longer comes from other fresh releases in the same launch window as before. Instead, the primary competition now lies in capturing the attention of players who are deeply engrossed in games like Fortnite and Roblox. These platforms have a significant number of weekly active console players, approximately 35%. The question is, how do we persuade these players to abandon their current gameplay and instead opt for a new one?

From my perspective as a gaming enthusiast, Piscatella’s insights suggest that the traditional price points for games, whether they’re $60, $70, or even $80, are gradually becoming less standard. The way games monetize post-launch, particularly multiplayer games with additional purchases like battle passes and cosmetics, contributes to this trend. In essence, Piscatella predicts that each game will have its unique pricing approach as publishers adapt their strategies accordingly.

I must say, each game’s journey is unique, and that’s what makes it exciting! Factors like post-release monetization strategies, the timing of when the game comes out, and even which platforms it’s available on can greatly influence its success. Back in the day, games were typically priced at $60, but those times have changed drastically. Nowadays, I believe there isn’t a one-size-fits-all price or ideal situation. Each game is its own entity, and they all have their unique factors to consider.

Some games such as “Mario Kart World” can sell for $80 without affecting sales significantly because they already have a loyal fan base. According to Piscatella, the price sensitivity for these games, especially at launch, is low, indicating that many people are eager to play them regardless of their cost.

Essentially, these games will continue to be produced and sold at high prices because there’s a demand for them, even though many people might not prefer it. The market determines the price range, and while the cost can be reduced, it can’t be increased. We’ll have to wait and see how this evolves over time.

It’s widely anticipated that the release of Grand Theft Auto 6 on May 26, 2026 will significantly impact the market. Experts predict that Rockstar and Take-Two Interactive might opt for more expensive price points, but at this juncture, everyone is focused on the game itself.

Next year, whatever ‘Grand Theft Auto’ releases will undoubtedly attract countless viewers. Therefore, we might as well add it to the stack of anticipated projects.

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2025-08-06 17:46