You're defending digital distribution by claiming that digital versions of a game are inherently worth less than the retail version?
No, I'm defending digital distribution by saying that developers should pass on some of the savings that they're getting via digital distribution to the consumer.
Then complain to Sony. Digital distributors take a larger cut.
Im not going to lime it but this is exactly the reason why DD version of Persona will cost so much. Sony are probably taking the same cut if not more than the publishers/retailers.
You're defending digital distribution by claiming that digital versions of a game are inherently worth less than the retail version?
No, I'm defending digital distribution by saying that developers should pass on some of the savings that they're getting via digital distribution to the consumer.
Then complain to Sony. Digital distributors take a larger cut.
Im not going to lime it but this is exactly the reason why DD version of Persona will cost so much. Sony are probably taking the same cut if not more than the publishers/retailers.
Last time it was mentioned by a developer, they said that Sony has smaller royalties on downloadable title than their retail equivalents. I seem to remember XBLA having higher royalties than the PSN but I've no clue about WiiWare.
Here's a little addendum to the Brutal Legend settlement story that, should you be sympathetic to Double Fine in this situation (and, um, how could you not?), should bring a little smile to your face. The LA Times spoke to an unnamed person "familiar with the settlement," who offered some extra information about the deal.
Overall, it looks like Activision was the "loser" in this agreement, though, of course, the whole point of settling was to avoid having a loser. First off, the source claims that the game will be released as planned in October. Second, the LA Times says, "it appears very likely that Activision received little to no compensation from Double Fine and agreed to a settlement to avoid losing its case in open court."
Come to my aid defenders of the digital way of distribution! I'm afraid that the general RPG fan being what they are (compulsive collectors) that most of the people on the Atlus board don't really care either way since they hate digital distribution anyway.
I get the feeling your idealism over DD pricing will get pretty thoroughly crushed into the ground over the next few months.
Here's a little addendum to the Brutal Legend settlement story that, should you be sympathetic to Double Fine in this situation (and, um, how could you not?), should bring a little smile to your face. The LA Times spoke to an unnamed person "familiar with the settlement," who offered some extra information about the deal.
Overall, it looks like Activision was the "loser" in this agreement, though, of course, the whole point of settling was to avoid having a loser. First off, the source claims that the game will be released as planned in October. Second, the LA Times says, "it appears very likely that Activision received little to no compensation from Double Fine and agreed to a settlement to avoid losing its case in open court."
Line up for your free high-fives, everybody.
Great to hear, but when the judge says you're pretty much boned before you even get to the case, it's not hard to predict you'll be getting jack.
Here's a little addendum to the Brutal Legend settlement story that, should you be sympathetic to Double Fine in this situation (and, um, how could you not?), should bring a little smile to your face. The LA Times spoke to an unnamed person "familiar with the settlement," who offered some extra information about the deal.
Overall, it looks like Activision was the "loser" in this agreement, though, of course, the whole point of settling was to avoid having a loser. First off, the source claims that the game will be released as planned in October. Second, the LA Times says, "it appears very likely that Activision received little to no compensation from Double Fine and agreed to a settlement to avoid losing its case in open court."
Line up for your free high-fives, everybody.
Great to hear, but when the judge says you're pretty much boned before you even get to the case, it's not hard to predict you'll be getting jack.
That's after doing 500k+ in the USA in nine days, and 353k in Japan in four days.
Based on the latest available data from Nintendo and Media Create, sales of the title have reached 1,928,000 units. However, it’s highly likely that the game has now surpassed two million sales across Europe, the US and Japan.
So it's at just about 2 million sales after being a week or two on the shelves. The scary thing is that this will probably be another "evergreen" Wii title.
Also some more specifics on the 360 Games on Demand games:
$20
Mass Effect
Need for Speed
Sonic the Hedgehog
Viva Pinata
$30
Lego Star Wars
Oblivion
Call of Duty 2
BioShock
Assassin's Creed
Interesting that Oblivion and COD2 are priced so high. Both are near-launch games. And also Oblivion and Bioshock are each $30 individiually when you can buy them in a bundle for $40 at gamestop or anywhere.
Also some more specifics on the 360 Games on Demand games:
$20
Mass Effect
Need for Speed
Sonic the Hedgehog
Viva Pinata
$30
Lego Star Wars
Oblivion
Call of Duty 2
BioShock
Assassin's Creed
Interesting that Oblivion and COD2 are priced so high. Both are near-launch games. And also Oblivion and Bioshock are each $30 individiually when you can buy them in a bundle for $40 at gamestop or anywhere.
Does Oblivion come with any of the DLC or Expansion packs? The Game of the Year edition that comes with Shivering Isles and Knights of the Nine has an MSRP of 29.99 on Amazon. Amazon also has free shipping on it.
Sonic the Hedgehog is way too expensive. It is available for eight dollars plus shipping and handling on Amazon. Even that is too expensive.
Viva Pinata available for 9.99 dollars plus shipping and handling on Amazon.
So they're just testing the water. I guess there's a fair bit of brick & mortar consideration going into this, as I can imagine Gamestop will be a little pissed about not getting a cut, hence the games being older titles, so they're not competing in a huge way. If they're priced too high and not selling well, then I guess the publishers will have to think about lowering the price.
Here's a little addendum to the Brutal Legend settlement story that, should you be sympathetic to Double Fine in this situation (and, um, how could you not?), should bring a little smile to your face. The LA Times spoke to an unnamed person "familiar with the settlement," who offered some extra information about the deal.
Overall, it looks like Activision was the "loser" in this agreement, though, of course, the whole point of settling was to avoid having a loser. First off, the source claims that the game will be released as planned in October. Second, the LA Times says, "it appears very likely that Activision received little to no compensation from Double Fine and agreed to a settlement to avoid losing its case in open court."
Line up for your free high-fives, everybody.
Great to hear, but when the judge says you're pretty much boned before you even get to the case, it's not hard to predict you'll be getting jack.
Also some more specifics on the 360 Games on Demand games:
$20
Mass Effect
Need for Speed
Sonic the Hedgehog
Viva Pinata
$30
Lego Star Wars
Oblivion
Call of Duty 2
BioShock
Assassin's Creed
Interesting that Oblivion and COD2 are priced so high. Both are near-launch games. And also Oblivion and Bioshock are each $30 individiually when you can buy them in a bundle for $40 at gamestop or anywhere.
Sonic the Hedgehog? The horrible one? Wouldn't pay $5 for it.
Anyway, I'm not surprised they are priced so high. I think you have to remember that this service isn't "For" us. At least I don't think so. This is aimed at lazy frat boy who has too much money to spend and is sitting on his couch going "I want a game, but I don't want to go to the store." He doesn't even care how much the game costs, nor does he even know that better deals are available....
Cameron_Talley on
Switch Friend Code: SW-4598-4278-8875
3DS Friend Code: 0404-6826-4588 PM if you add.
So they're just testing the water. I guess there's a fair bit of brick & mortar consideration going into this, as I can imagine Gamestop will be a little pissed about not getting a cut, hence the games being older titles, so they're not competing in a huge way. If they're priced too high and not selling well, then I guess the publishers will have to think about lowering the price.
How does pricing work with these titles? Are the developers allowed to lower the price whenever they want or does Microsoft have the final say on the price?
Its hard for me to think in dollars. As I understand it you guys pay an average of $60 or about £35 and we pay £40. $30 or about £20 is way too much for a game I can't own, return or gain any value from especially an old game. Considering you're pretty much long-term renting these games they should be $15 max, maybe $10.
Yeah I don't get the Sonic '06 thing either. It's an old game, and it's a terrible game, and it sold like shit when it came out at that.
So they put it online where it costs nothing but the bandwidth costs to sell. Seems like a good idea to try and get some last minute profit from that game, to me...
Cameron_Talley on
Switch Friend Code: SW-4598-4278-8875
3DS Friend Code: 0404-6826-4588 PM if you add.
Yeah I don't get the Sonic '06 thing either. It's an old game, and it's a terrible game, and it sold like shit when it came out at that.
So they put it online where it costs nothing but the bandwidth costs to sell. Seems like a good idea to try and get some last minute profit from that game, to me...
Profit assumes they actually sold enough copies to break even and then some in the first place.
The game sold so shitty at retail it's like... this is some silly attempt to try and make a few more bucks off of a failed title.
Yeah I don't get the Sonic '06 thing either. It's an old game, and it's a terrible game, and it sold like shit when it came out at that.
So they put it online where it costs nothing but the bandwidth costs to sell. Seems like a good idea to try and get some last minute profit from that game, to me...
Profit assumes they actually sold enough copies to break even and then some in the first place.
The game sold so shitty at retail it's like... this is some silly attempt to try and make a few more bucks off of a failed title.
Mostly because they can't really lose anything by offering it on the service.
Well I guess potentially they could lose even more goodwill with respect to potential fans of Sonic the Hedg... ah who am I kidding, they have nothing to lose.
So apparently BestBuy has a pilot program where they match GameStop's used prices on new games.
Normally that would be pretty crazy but the way GS sets their used prices (probably $5 off on most of what BB has in stock) it seems pretty devious to me.
It will be interesting to see how this plays out.
lowlylowlycook on
(Please do not gift. My game bank is already full.)
So apparently BestBuy has a pilot program where they match GameStop's used prices on new games.
Normally that would be pretty crazy but the way GS sets their used prices (probably $5 off on most of what BB has in stock) it seems pretty devious to me.
It will be interesting to see how this plays out.
Wow. That's pretty damn aggressive. Yeah, that'll be one to watch.
So apparently BestBuy has a pilot program where they match GameStop's used prices on new games.
Normally that would be pretty crazy but the way GS sets their used prices (probably $5 off on most of what BB has in stock) it seems pretty devious to me.
It will be interesting to see how this plays out.
For new games, it will act as a discount. For old games, it will act as a clearance sell. Cheap used games are cheap at Gamestop because no one wants them. People aren't going to want the games at Best Buy at a higher price so cutting the price by matching the new game price with the used game price will help get rid of it.
So, we have some details from a French retailer on the PS3 Slim.
Number one, the PS3 Slim is confirmed according to an interview with a French retailer on Jeux Video Network.
When asked about the PS3 Slim, the retailer responded:
"Yes, the PS3 Slim is a reality, it will soon emerge."
The retailer was apparently informed about the console only a week ago from wholesalers and it's all very secretive. A release date is not confirmed, but it's expected for September. They haven't yet seen what the console actually looks like, the size of its harddrive is also unconfirmed, and possible bundles have yet to be discussed.
However, it's surprising to hear that the PS3 Slim's price will be €299 from launch. The dealer believes that since retailers are aware of this price, they are chopping their current PS3 stock to €299 prematurely in order to make room for the Slim. This would perhaps explain the Spanish and Italian offers we've spotted online.
Naturally, this should be taken as a rumour.
According to a French guy at Neogaf, Micromania is accepting PS3 slim preorders at €299. For comparison the PSP Go costs €249.
So apparently BestBuy has a pilot program where they match GameStop's used prices on new games.
Normally that would be pretty crazy but the way GS sets their used prices (probably $5 off on most of what BB has in stock) it seems pretty devious to me.
It will be interesting to see how this plays out.
For new games, it will act as a discount. For old games, it will act as a clearance sell. Cheap used games are cheap at Gamestop because no one wants them. People aren't going to want the games at Best Buy at a higher price so cutting the price by matching the new game price with the used game price will help get rid of it.
Yeah, like I said the more you think about the smarter this looks. They are basically outsourcing market research to GS but for no cost. The question is what will GS do and if GS moves to a more "normal" used pricing scheme then what will BB do then.
According to a French guy at Neogaf, Micromania is accepting PS3 slim preorders at €299. For comparison the PSP Go costs €249.
This right here boggles by damn brain. It could possibly make sense but for the fact that cheaper PSPs wit h the same functionality already exist.
Does someone remember when the PSP Go is supposed to launch?
lowlylowlycook on
(Please do not gift. My game bank is already full.)
So, we have some details from a French retailer on the PS3 Slim.
Number one, the PS3 Slim is confirmed according to an interview with a French retailer on Jeux Video Network.
When asked about the PS3 Slim, the retailer responded:
"Yes, the PS3 Slim is a reality, it will soon emerge."
The retailer was apparently informed about the console only a week ago from wholesalers and it's all very secretive. A release date is not confirmed, but it's expected for September. They haven't yet seen what the console actually looks like, the size of its harddrive is also unconfirmed, and possible bundles have yet to be discussed.
However, it's surprising to hear that the PS3 Slim's price will be €299 from launch. The dealer believes that since retailers are aware of this price, they are chopping their current PS3 stock to €299 prematurely in order to make room for the Slim. This would perhaps explain the Spanish and Italian offers we've spotted online.
Naturally, this should be taken as a rumour.
According to a French guy at Neogaf, Micromania is accepting PS3 slim preorders at €299. For comparison the PSP Go costs €249.
That works out about 254.256£
Not as big a cut as Id like but better tahn nothing ASSUMING it still has build in wireless and a decent HDD.
So not only are the Games on Demand costing the same as MSRP, but in many instances, they're costing more than it would cost to buy the game new at a store? Yeah, that's going to go over well.
So apparently BestBuy has a pilot program where they match GameStop's used prices on new games.
Normally that would be pretty crazy but the way GS sets their used prices (probably $5 off on most of what BB has in stock) it seems pretty devious to me.
It will be interesting to see how this plays out.
For new games, it will act as a discount. For old games, it will act as a clearance sell. Cheap used games are cheap at Gamestop because no one wants them. People aren't going to want the games at Best Buy at a higher price so cutting the price by matching the new game price with the used game price will help get rid of it.
Yeah, like I said the more you think about the smarter this looks. They are basically outsourcing market research to GS but for no cost. The question is what will GS do and if GS moves to a more "normal" used pricing scheme then what will BB do then.
I foresee GameStop filing a lawsuit against Best Buy claiming some kind of encroachment on profits or something...
JVN : Est-il d'ores et déjà prévu des bundles ? JVN: Is it already planned bundles? Nous pensons notamment à Uncharted 2 : Among Thieves qui pourrait sortir en octobre. We think including Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, which could release in October.
R : Non. A: No. C'est également une question que je me suis empressé de demander. It is also a question I am eager to ask. A savoir si les consoles allaient être proposées en pack avec des jeux ou des nouveaux produits. To find out if the consoles would be available in pack with games and new products. Pour l'instant, la seule information que nous avons est que la console serait vendue nue, à 299.99€. For now, the only information we have is that the console would be sold naked, to 299.99 €. A l'identique, il nous a été annoncé qu'il n'y aurait pas de protection de stock sur les PS3 actuelles. At the same, it was announced that there would be no protection of stock on the PS3 today. C'est-à-dire que si la console baisse de prix, apparemment Sony ne protègerait pas les revendeurs qui ont acheté la console pour la vendre à 399€. Ie if the console price drop, Sony apparently does not protect resellers who bought the console for sale at 399 €. En d'autres termes, les magasins qui ont du stock devraient continuer de les écouler à 399€ au risque de perdre 100€ par console. In other words, stores that stock should continue to sell at 399 € at the risk of losing € 100 per console.
If true, this means that Sony doesn't plan to do anything retarded like last time and announce a "price cut" that is actually just a clearance on the old model. Getting people used to a certain price point and then only selling consoles at a higher price point is not a good move. it is also annoying, confusing, and dampens the impact of a real price cut.
So this will lead to the assumption of a $299 price for the PS3 in the US?
Assuming Sony is consistent with the pricing of the Go and the PS3 between Euroland and America and don't get greedy in the process, then yea.
Darkwarrior, a $100 cut would be pretty damn big and would very likely juice PS3 sales. Of course the question is whether sitting at the higher price for so long has turned people off to the PS3 completely and will dampen the effect of such a good cut.
So this will lead to the assumption of a $299 price for the PS3 in the US?
Assuming Sony is consistent with the pricing of the Go and the PS3 between Euroland and America and don't get greedy in the process, then yea.
Darkwarrior, a $100 cut would be pretty damn big and would very likely juice PS3 sales. Of course the question is whether sitting at the higher price for so long has turned people off to the PS3 completely and will dampen the effect of such a good cut.
If they dropped the price if the current models sure but a new model? People won't see lesser value, its a NEW model AND cheaper? Yes please.
So this will lead to the assumption of a $299 price for the PS3 in the US?
Assuming Sony is consistent with the pricing of the Go and the PS3 between Euroland and America and don't get greedy in the process, then yea.
Darkwarrior, a $100 cut would be pretty damn big and would very likely juice PS3 sales. Of course the question is whether sitting at the higher price for so long has turned people off to the PS3 completely and will dampen the effect of such a good cut.
If they dropped the price if the current models sure but a new model? People won't see lesser value, its a NEW model AND cheaper? Yes please.
The buying public can be weird. Once they've got a perception about a product it can be very difficult to change it. Remember that survey that showed how many people hate EA, years after they quit their most egregious practices? Though a slimmer model and a better price point are certainly very attractive and a great move on Sony's part (if true), negative perceptions can linger.
But I guess we'll soon see how much of an effect this will have.
So apparently BestBuy has a pilot program where they match GameStop's used prices on new games.
Normally that would be pretty crazy but the way GS sets their used prices (probably $5 off on most of what BB has in stock) it seems pretty devious to me.
It will be interesting to see how this plays out.
For new games, it will act as a discount. For old games, it will act as a clearance sell. Cheap used games are cheap at Gamestop because no one wants them. People aren't going to want the games at Best Buy at a higher price so cutting the price by matching the new game price with the used game price will help get rid of it.
If the pilot program takes off, it should be interesting to watch.
Now, if I recall correctly, GS has had at least two B2G1 sales in the last 2 or three months. GS's answer may be to do these sorts of sales more frequently - a way to present the consumer lower prices for used games without reducing their price to something Best Buy would match.
Alternatively, if they could just flat out lower their prices enough to make it not worthwhile for BB to match.
Either way, I wonder if it'll lead to GS lowering the amount they give for a trade-in.
Also, it could be that enough of their used games sales come as a result of people using in-store credit from trade-ins that this wouldn't be as huge a factor.
Posts
Im not going to lime it but this is exactly the reason why DD version of Persona will cost so much. Sony are probably taking the same cut if not more than the publishers/retailers.
Courtesy of Joystiq
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/07/activision-to-receive-little-to-no-compensation-in-brutal-lege/
Line up for your free high-fives, everybody.
I get the feeling your idealism over DD pricing will get pretty thoroughly crushed into the ground over the next few months.
Great to hear, but when the judge says you're pretty much boned before you even get to the case, it's not hard to predict you'll be getting jack.
I think you'll find it's EA who got Jack.
8-)
^5
source
That's after doing 500k+ in the USA in nine days, and 353k in Japan in four days.
So it's at just about 2 million sales after being a week or two on the shelves. The scary thing is that this will probably be another "evergreen" Wii title.
Steam ID: slashx000______Twitter: @bill_at_zeboyd______ Facebook: Zeboyd Games
Interesting that Oblivion and COD2 are priced so high. Both are near-launch games. And also Oblivion and Bioshock are each $30 individiually when you can buy them in a bundle for $40 at gamestop or anywhere.
Steam ID: slashx000______Twitter: @bill_at_zeboyd______ Facebook: Zeboyd Games
Does Oblivion come with any of the DLC or Expansion packs? The Game of the Year edition that comes with Shivering Isles and Knights of the Nine has an MSRP of 29.99 on Amazon. Amazon also has free shipping on it.
Sonic the Hedgehog is way too expensive. It is available for eight dollars plus shipping and handling on Amazon. Even that is too expensive.
Viva Pinata available for 9.99 dollars plus shipping and handling on Amazon.
YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Sonic the Hedgehog? The horrible one? Wouldn't pay $5 for it.
Anyway, I'm not surprised they are priced so high. I think you have to remember that this service isn't "For" us. At least I don't think so. This is aimed at lazy frat boy who has too much money to spend and is sitting on his couch going "I want a game, but I don't want to go to the store." He doesn't even care how much the game costs, nor does he even know that better deals are available....
3DS Friend Code: 0404-6826-4588 PM if you add.
How does pricing work with these titles? Are the developers allowed to lower the price whenever they want or does Microsoft have the final say on the price?
Steam ID: slashx000______Twitter: @bill_at_zeboyd______ Facebook: Zeboyd Games
So they put it online where it costs nothing but the bandwidth costs to sell. Seems like a good idea to try and get some last minute profit from that game, to me...
3DS Friend Code: 0404-6826-4588 PM if you add.
Profit assumes they actually sold enough copies to break even and then some in the first place.
The game sold so shitty at retail it's like... this is some silly attempt to try and make a few more bucks off of a failed title.
Steam ID: slashx000______Twitter: @bill_at_zeboyd______ Facebook: Zeboyd Games
And it'll work, too...
Hahah, you're right.
Mostly because they can't really lose anything by offering it on the service.
Well I guess potentially they could lose even more goodwill with respect to potential fans of Sonic the Hedg... ah who am I kidding, they have nothing to lose.
Steam ID: slashx000______Twitter: @bill_at_zeboyd______ Facebook: Zeboyd Games
Oblivion apparently does not come with Knights of the Nine and Shivering Isles.
Normally that would be pretty crazy but the way GS sets their used prices (probably $5 off on most of what BB has in stock) it seems pretty devious to me.
It will be interesting to see how this plays out.
(Please do not gift. My game bank is already full.)
Wow. That's pretty damn aggressive. Yeah, that'll be one to watch.
For new games, it will act as a discount. For old games, it will act as a clearance sell. Cheap used games are cheap at Gamestop because no one wants them. People aren't going to want the games at Best Buy at a higher price so cutting the price by matching the new game price with the used game price will help get rid of it.
According to a French guy at Neogaf, Micromania is accepting PS3 slim preorders at €299. For comparison the PSP Go costs €249.
This right here boggles by damn brain. It could possibly make sense but for the fact that cheaper PSPs wit h the same functionality already exist.
Does someone remember when the PSP Go is supposed to launch?
(Please do not gift. My game bank is already full.)
That works out about 254.256£
Not as big a cut as Id like but better tahn nothing ASSUMING it still has build in wireless and a decent HDD.
(Please do not gift. My game bank is already full.)
Isnt yours 499 now? So wouldnt it be like 399? Or 350.
Zeboyd Games Development Blog
Steam ID : rwb36, Twitter : Werezompire, Facebook : Zeboyd Games
$399 for the 80GB and $499 for the 160GB.
The PSP Go will launch October 1 in both Europe and NA.
Edit: What is the cost of the 360 and Wii in Euros?
I foresee GameStop filing a lawsuit against Best Buy claiming some kind of encroachment on profits or something...
And then Irony dies.
200.005 for a Pro I think.
235.3 for a wii.
Assuming Sony is consistent with the pricing of the Go and the PS3 between Euroland and America and don't get greedy in the process, then yea.
Darkwarrior, a $100 cut would be pretty damn big and would very likely juice PS3 sales. Of course the question is whether sitting at the higher price for so long has turned people off to the PS3 completely and will dampen the effect of such a good cut.
If they dropped the price if the current models sure but a new model? People won't see lesser value, its a NEW model AND cheaper? Yes please.
The buying public can be weird. Once they've got a perception about a product it can be very difficult to change it. Remember that survey that showed how many people hate EA, years after they quit their most egregious practices? Though a slimmer model and a better price point are certainly very attractive and a great move on Sony's part (if true), negative perceptions can linger.
But I guess we'll soon see how much of an effect this will have.
Talk about out of touch. You can get most of those games for under £5.
A bit of digging shows approx...
179 Arcade, 239 Pro, 299 Elite 360.
249 for Wii
399 and 449 for PS3 80 or 160 Giggers
...in France at least. In Euros.
The UK works out as around £180 for 360 and Wii with the PS3 still sitting around £300. Of course you can find decent bundles for all if you look.
Wiis are £200 now aren't they?
The smileys in the quoted list sum up my feelings pretty well.