In a recent announcement, Otherside Entertainment revealed that their upcoming stealth-focused heist game, Thick as Thieves, will be available for a fixed price of across all platforms— in the U.S., £5 in the UK, and €5 in Europe. This pricing strategy has stirred mixed feelings among fans, particularly those who have been eagerly anticipating a spiritual successor to the beloved Thief series.
Concerns and Changes
Despite the previous disappointment surrounding Underworld Ascendant, many had hoped that Thick as Thieves would offer a chance for redemption, especially under the guidance of industry veterans Paul Neurath and Warren Spector. Neurath, known for his pivotal role at Looking Glass Studios, has a storied history in immersive simulations, which adds weight to expectations for this new title.
Initially, the game was set to include a multiplayer PvPvE component, a feature that has since been dropped. While some players may welcome the focus on solo gameplay, the abruptness of this change has left others feeling uncertain about the direction of the project.
In the latest update, Otherside confirmed that Thick as Thieves will feature two playable thieves, two dynamic maps, six pieces of gear, and 16 contracts to complete. The studio described this as an introductory campaign, estimated to last at least four hours. They emphasized that this approach allows them to engage with players sooner and adapt future content based on player feedback.
A Strategic Gamble
This pricing strategy may indeed be a calculated risk. At just , it lowers the barrier for entry, potentially attracting a larger player base than if the game were priced higher. Otherside’s decision reflects a desire to make the game accessible while still providing value through its content.
However, the announcement has left some fans feeling disheartened. The notion that a game could be priced lower than a family-sized bag of chips raises questions about its perceived value. For many, the excitement surrounding Thick as Thieves has been tempered by the implications of its pricing.
Yet, there remains a glimmer of hope. Some believe that this could be a savvy business move, allowing players to explore the world of Kilcairn without a hefty investment. Megabit, the game’s publisher, expressed confidence in the price point, asserting that it fairly reflects the initial campaign’s scope while inviting a broad audience to experience the game.
As the launch date approaches, set for May 20 on Steam and the Epic Games Store, players will soon have the opportunity to dive into Kilcairn and discover whether Thick as Thieves lives up to its potential as a stealth-oriented immersive sim.
