The annoying trend of XBLA games being $10

[quote name='depascal22'] Why wouldn't you want to maximize your return? If lowering the price makes more money in the long run, why wouldn't you want that?[/QUOTE]

Because it doesn't. At least, there is not enough evidence to show that you make more selling cheaper.

We would all like to believe that $5 games sell 2x more than $10 games. But the numbers from sales for XBLA don't support that.
 
[quote name='depascal22']But how is it that big of a risk? The money has already been spent to develop and play test it. Why wouldn't you want to maximize your return? If lowering the price makes more money in the long run, why wouldn't you want that?[/QUOTE]

Well, the real argument is, in theory, you have infinite supply here (everyone with XBLA could download the game for the price, if they wanted to). The idea is much like a monopoly.

Just because Windows runs on 90% of business computers, and they have a virtual monopoly, doesn't mean they just set whatever price they want. Demand isn't inelastic (economics term).

Basically, they try to set the price, to maximize demand. I think part of the problem here is skewed data. You had really the best games on XBLA coming out at $10 before, while the junk ones hit at $5. So, sales seemed similar (with the $10 games bringing in twide as much money). With that data, and the fact that I'm sure the accountants are happier with a set price.

There is one other thought to think of. Outside of Space Giraffe (a game I really enjoyed), has there been a high profile game in the last year (and that was a year ago) at the $5 mark? A few junk games were, but any good ones? Sometimes, if an item is priced too cheaply, it is seen as low quality (oh, I was going to buy that game, but it's $5, probably means it sucks).
 
So, does anyone have any commentary on the rumored price of Castle Crashers? I bought and disliked Penny Arcade Adventures. So, I'm a bit hesitant at purchasing another hyped, expensive XBLA title.
 
After playing Geometry Wars 2 last night I do think that a year ago that game would have been 400 points, but now it seems like 800 is the minimum.

I'd have bought it at 400, but for 800 I'm not sure.
 
I understand that games can't come out at $5. It makes sense to start every game at $10. I just don't understand why games that aren't selling can't be reduced in price. People didn't think God of War or Gran Turismo 3 sucked because they were $20. Everyone knew they had been out for a while and the price naturally goes down on old software. I realize they aren't digitally distributed but it's not unreasonable to think it's better to get some sales at a lower price point than no sales at a higher price point.

I don't have any data to support my position but neither does anyone else. You can say that the numbers don't look like they'll support me but has MS tried to lower the price on some lower selling games or even tried to lower price on some of the original games? I think they could maximize profit by doing it.
 
It's common sense. People who want the game(s) now will buy them at $10 and when when the price drops, people who were iffy on buy the game(s) will buy the game at $5. People have tried to argue that gamers will just wait X (likely 6-9+ months) and buy the XBLA games at a lower price but that is far from the truth. I mean think about it, if the game is good, has good reviews, and lives up to any hype created, it will sell on day 1. But for those of us that see the price as a bit too high...well, we'll wait. We were never going to buy the game at the $10 price point anyway so i don't see reduced prices having any sort of negative impact AT ALL.
 
[quote name='depascal22']I understand that games can't come out at $5. It makes sense to start every game at $10. I just don't understand why games that aren't selling can't be reduced in price. People didn't think God of War or Gran Turismo 3 sucked because they were $20. Everyone knew they had been out for a while and the price naturally goes down on old software. I realize they aren't digitally distributed but it's not unreasonable to think it's better to get some sales at a lower price point than no sales at a higher price point.

I don't have any data to support my position but neither does anyone else. You can say that the numbers don't look like they'll support me but has MS tried to lower the price on some lower selling games or even tried to lower price on some of the original games? I think they could maximize profit by doing it.[/QUOTE]

Most developers would love for that to happen.
 
I think price drops would be excellent for XBLA games. Or at least give us sales on items. Put them on sale for a week or so. I would buy more games if they were cheaper. The last game I bought was Poker Smash and I stopped playing that after a week or two.
 
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