May 2nd 2025.
In recent times, the price of consoles has been on the rise. In fact, the Friday letters page points fingers at publishers for not exploring alternative options to these price increases. One reader hopes that independent gaming will benefit from this trend.
It's not just consoles that are seeing a surge in prices, but also video games. It seems that £80 is becoming the new norm, even before the launch of a new generation. Some speculate that this could be a tactic by Microsoft to make their Game Pass seem like the only affordable option. However, others wonder if they're really that daring, given their recent actions.
It's likely that Sony will follow suit and raise their prices to £80, although they may delay it until the release of the PlayStation 6 to appear as the good guys. On the other hand, Nintendo has received criticism for their pricing, but they seem to be making an effort to keep costs as low as possible. Their most expensive price for Mario Kart World is still much cheaper than £80, especially in digital format.
Unfortunately, it's expected that other publishers will not be as considerate. Games like Call Of Duty, EA Sports FC, and Assassin's Creed will likely have a price tag of £80 sooner or later. The only question is whether they will implement the increase immediately or wait for the release of games like GTA 6, which will undoubtedly raise the bar even higher. This is a concerning trend that shows no signs of getting better.
But not all hope is lost. A reader mentions that indie games have been a saving grace amidst these price hikes. It's interesting to note that these increases are happening right after the release of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which has been highly praised along with other indie games like Blue Prince, Bionic Bay, and Citizen Sleeper 2. These games offer unique and imaginative experiences, unlike most triple-A titles.
It's possible that this sudden price increase may bring more attention to indie games and their value for money. Clair Obscur, which is priced at £45, is probably the most expensive indie game to date. If this can be the upper limit for all games, it could prevent people from being priced out of gaming.
Some readers are calling for a boycott of these expensive games and suggest voting with their wallets. They argue that in a time where essentials like food and electricity are increasing in price, games are not a priority for the average person. Instead, people should show their disapproval by not purchasing these overpriced games.
One reader expresses confusion over Sony's decision to only increase the price of the digital version of the PlayStation 5. It's unclear why the digital version, which has less features, would require a price hike. On the other hand, some believe that Xbox is trying to alienate the few remaining players on their console by increasing game prices. It's a concerning trend that may ultimately lead to this being the last console generation for some.
In terms of game recommendations, a reader suggests South Of Midnight despite GameCentral's negative review. They found the game to be addictive and enjoyed the contrast between its playful graphics and dark storylines. They also praised the game's soundtrack and predict that it will be nominated for game music awards. Overall, they highly recommend it, noting that it is the perfect length - not too long or too short.
The recent price increase in consoles has not gone unnoticed, as it seems that even the Friday letters page has pointed fingers at publishers for not finding alternative solutions. However, there is hope that indie gaming will thrive amidst these rising costs. You can join in on the discussion by emailing us your thoughts.
It's no surprise that video game prices are reaching new heights, with some games already costing a staggering £80. And that's even before the new generation of consoles have arrived. Some speculate that this is Microsoft's way of promoting their Game Pass as the only affordable option, but is that really the case? With their recent decisions, it's hard to rule out any possibility.
It's safe to assume that Sony will follow suit and raise their prices to £80, although they may wait until the release of PlayStation 6 to appear as the "good guys". On the other hand, Nintendo has been unfairly criticized as they have been trying to keep their costs as low as possible. Even the most expensive price for Mario Kart World is still less than £80, especially when purchased digitally.
But it's not just Nintendo that's being thoughtful. Other publishers, such as Call Of Duty, EA Sports FC, and Assassin's Creed, have already raised their prices or are planning to do so in the near future. It's only a matter of time until the bar is raised even higher, especially with the highly anticipated release of GTA 6.
The situation doesn't look promising, and it's not likely to improve anytime soon. However, there is a glimmer of hope in the form of indie games. With the recent price increases, it's a relief that these smaller, more imaginative games are gaining recognition. Games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Blue Prince, Bionic Bay, and Citizen Sleeper 2 have been receiving high ratings and offer a diverse range of experiences.
It's possible that this sudden price hike will make people realize the value and creativity of indie games. Clair Obscur, for example, is priced at £45, which is the most expensive indie game I've seen. If we keep this as the upper limit for all games, we can prevent pricing people out of the gaming world.
However, some readers are not pleased with the recent developments in the gaming industry. They believe that corporations are taking advantage of consumers by constantly increasing prices. One reader even suggests boycotting these expensive games and voting with our wallets.
On a related note, there's confusion surrounding Sony's decision to only increase the price of the digital version of PlayStation 5. After all, the digital version has less features compared to the disc version. As for Microsoft, their decision to increase game prices on top of the already expensive consoles may not sit well with their remaining customers.
It's hard not to feel nostalgic for the good old days where games were priced at a more reasonable £40, without any in-game purchases or massive updates. But times have changed, and it's important to acknowledge that £40 in 2007 is equivalent to £66.56 today when accounting for inflation.
On a lighter note, one reader shares their positive experience with South of Midnight, despite our previous not-so-great review. They were hooked by the game's playful and colorful graphics, which contrasted with its dark storylines. The reader also praises the music in the game, which they believe should be nominated for game music awards.
In the end, it's all about finding the perfect balance - a game that's not too long or too short, has great graphics and music, and is reasonably priced. Perhaps South of Midnight has found that balance and is an award contender for its unique approach to gaming.
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