In an intriguing twist within the gaming industry, a title known as This Game Costs 200 Dollars has emerged on Steam, quite literally priced at 0. The game, described as a “psychological ‘comedic’ experience,” boldly claims to be worth “every single cent” of its inflated cost. While skepticism might be a natural response, the allure of this unconventional offering briefly transformed its developer, 18-year-old Michael Major of Stolen Valor Studios, into a millionaire.
The Backstory
Major shared his unexpected journey with WMUR-TV, as reported by GamesRadar. Released on January 30, this game serves as a sequel to This Game Costs 10 Dollars, which debuted just days earlier. Initially conceived as a joke, Major never anticipated that anyone would actually purchase it. However, a few months down the line, he discovered that sales had soared to nearly .4 million.
Despite the absurdity of the situation, Major maintains a light-hearted approach. He seems unfazed by the potential scrutiny that might come from critics, including any hypothetical backlash from a “Pyongyang button man.” His nonchalant attitude extends to the game itself, which boasts a description of “200 dollars worth of pure joy, amazement, and awkward conversations.” In a cheeky nod to its nature, the “about this game” section refers to it as “the swindle to end all swindles.”
A Unique Offering
Throughout the game’s store page, Major insists that This Game Costs 200 Dollars is indeed a legitimate game. He describes it as “a real mind-bending experience unlike anything that has ever been done before.” While these claims may hold a grain of truth, the overall presentation is so absurd that anyone willing to part with 0 for it might find themselves questioning their decision.
For context, the gaming landscape is not without its own peculiar pricing structures. Titles like Congratulations On Your Purchase and The Leverage Game carry ,000 price tags, while True Love is listed at 0. Even Beach Volleyball Competition, which offers a demo, comes in at 0. In any case, while Major may not have become an instant millionaire, he certainly made a notable profit, with documentation indicating that his net earnings from this venture exceed ,000—a commendable outcome for a teenage endeavor.
