In a recent conversation with the Critical Hits Games YouTube channel, PlayStation veteran Shuhei Yoshida shared his insights on the evolving pricing landscape in the gaming industry. The former Sony executive expressed that the anticipated price increase for games, reaching or even , is not only justified but perhaps overdue.
Value Beyond Uniform Pricing
Yoshida emphasized the need for a more nuanced approach to game pricing, arguing against a one-size-fits-all model. He noted, “When you look at life in general, other products in price have increased way more than the game price.” This observation suggests that the gaming industry has lagged behind other sectors in adjusting its pricing strategies.
According to Yoshida, the value of a game should be determined by its unique offerings and production costs. “I don’t believe that every game has to be priced the same,” he stated. “Each game has different value it provides, or the size of budget.” This perspective invites publishers and developers to take ownership of their pricing decisions, tailoring them to reflect the quality and experience their games deliver.
He further elaborated on the potential worth of high-quality games, asserting that a price tag of or could be a bargain when considering the entertainment value they provide. “For really great games, I think it will still be a steal in terms of the amount of entertainment that the top games, top quality games bring to people compared to other forms of entertainment,” Yoshida remarked.
Ultimately, he encourages consumers to make informed choices about their spending. “As long as people choose carefully how they spend their money, I don’t think they should be complaining,” he concluded, reinforcing the idea that value is subjective and should be assessed on an individual basis.
