Hollow Knight sequel highlights importance of affordable video games
GameCentral’s Reader’s Feature highlights the impact of pricing on video game sales, specifically focusing on the success of Hollow Knight: Silksong. The writer initially didn’t plan to purchase the game due to personal preferences but was compelled to try it based on its low cost. Hollow Knight: Silksong is priced at £16 for PlayStation 5, equating to about 50p per hour of entertainment, making it incredibly cost-effective in comparison to other forms of entertainment.
The article delves into the debate surrounding the rising costs of triple-A games, with suggestions that prices may increase to £80 or even £100 for future releases like GTA 6. However, the author argues that lower-priced games tend to attract a wider audience. If a mid-level game was priced at £60, around 1 million people might buy it, whereas if the same game was priced at £30, it is likely that over 2 million people would make a purchase, ultimately increasing the overall profit for publishers.
While game development can incur high costs, particularly for triple-A titles, the production of games themselves is relatively inexpensive once the initial development is complete. This makes it feasible for publishers to lower prices without significantly impacting their profit margins. The article touches on publishers’ tendencies to maximize profits by charging higher prices but compliments the approach taken by Team Cherry with Silksong, emphasizing the game’s critical acclaim and massive sales in a short period.
The success of Silksong, with 5 million sales in just three days, underscores the potential benefits of offering games at lower price points. The author questions why other publishers do not follow suit, suggesting that lowering prices could lead to increased revenue. In a landscape where the cost of video games is rising, the article argues that affordable pricing could attract a broader audience, especially as consumer spending on games is becoming more restricted.
The article predicts a positive future for the gaming industry, emphasizing the importance of pricing strategies. Lowering prices can potentially lead to higher sales and increased revenue, as demonstrated by the success of Hollow Knight: Silksong. The author concludes by advocating for more accessible pricing in the gaming market, highlighting the benefits of enabling players to try new games without a significant financial commitment.