there are some kinda old (non-nextgen) games that are rare and people pay lots for them on ebay, but then there are games in the same generation that arent worth as much...i know games like suikoden 2 are sellin for lots on ebay b/c it was rare and is rare now..but what about other old games...why aren't they sellin for lots...they ARE discontinued and are no longer made, so why are some games, even though they are discontinued, worth more than others? i just dont get it... :?
Why are some old games worth so much while others aren't?
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The Successful Dropout
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suikoden 2 may be considered more of an "experience," as well as a work of art....not just a good game....and games like suikoden will give you plenty of playing hours
also, a lot of ppl might not have caught on to certain games that were really good....so now they're discontinued and old....and ppl are hearing how much they missed, resulting in them doing anything to experience it
also, a lot of ppl might not have caught on to certain games that were really good....so now they're discontinued and old....and ppl are hearing how much they missed, resulting in them doing anything to experience it
PsyClerk
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A new sealed copy of Suikoden II can go for $200 easy.
I've been looking into why games are valued the way they are myself for the past couple of months.
There are plenty of good games that go for cheap because there are plenty of copies of those games. On the other hand, some games are sleeper hits, and given the nature of the games business, if the sleeper is made by a smaller company, then you won't see a re-issue. They'll be happy just to have sold all or most of the initial run.
This is especially true for old Nintendo games (NES, SNES, GB) because Nintendo tightly controlled what games were made. Publishers had to go through Nintendo to actually get cartridges, and they had to buy a certain minimum amount. Smaller companies had a hard enough time paying for one production run. See Black Bass on the NES for an example.
Other games get caught at the end of a console's life, so you see fewer copies as a result. You also have the collector's market to consider, as well as sequels. Suikoden II is not actually super rare, but it's in demand as the series chugs out more sequels (part IV is upcoming). Those old Dragonball Z games were barely worth the CDs they were printed on...until the DBZ craze hit the States.
I've been looking into why games are valued the way they are myself for the past couple of months.
There are plenty of good games that go for cheap because there are plenty of copies of those games. On the other hand, some games are sleeper hits, and given the nature of the games business, if the sleeper is made by a smaller company, then you won't see a re-issue. They'll be happy just to have sold all or most of the initial run.
This is especially true for old Nintendo games (NES, SNES, GB) because Nintendo tightly controlled what games were made. Publishers had to go through Nintendo to actually get cartridges, and they had to buy a certain minimum amount. Smaller companies had a hard enough time paying for one production run. See Black Bass on the NES for an example.
Other games get caught at the end of a console's life, so you see fewer copies as a result. You also have the collector's market to consider, as well as sequels. Suikoden II is not actually super rare, but it's in demand as the series chugs out more sequels (part IV is upcoming). Those old Dragonball Z games were barely worth the CDs they were printed on...until the DBZ craze hit the States.
elprincipe
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As others have said, market economics: supply and demand. Now, as to why some things are in short supply and high demand, that's certainly a relevant question. Games like Suikoden II are ones that were overlooked when they originally came out or were produced in very limited quantities. Later, when more and more people heard about the game and how good it was, demand rose (especially among hardcore players) and thus the price increased (again, hardcore players are willing to pay more).
More examples. Contra for NES is an extremely common game, but demand is astronomical (for a NES game). Therefore, places like Gamestop or Gamecrazy charge $15-30
when games like 10 Yard Fight, perhaps close to as common, go for pennies. Panzer Dragoon Saga for Saturn was produced in very limited (~5,000) quantities at the end of the system's lifetime. Then a lot of people liked it and hyped the game up, and prices hit $100-200 Also games can be rare but not valuable, if there is no demand (usually because the game sucks and there aren't a lot of collectors looking for stuff on that system).
More examples. Contra for NES is an extremely common game, but demand is astronomical (for a NES game). Therefore, places like Gamestop or Gamecrazy charge $15-30
when games like 10 Yard Fight, perhaps close to as common, go for pennies. Panzer Dragoon Saga for Saturn was produced in very limited (~5,000) quantities at the end of the system's lifetime. Then a lot of people liked it and hyped the game up, and prices hit $100-200 Also games can be rare but not valuable, if there is no demand (usually because the game sucks and there aren't a lot of collectors looking for stuff on that system).
I don't think being discontinued has a whole lot to do with value. It's all about how many were pressed when it was in production. Afterall, old sports games are all discontinued and no longer being pressed, but when they were in production, a ton were made and shipped, therefore the market is flooded with them. Games such as Suikoden 2 are also discontinued, but when they were in production , much less were pressed and shipped to stores, therefore, the market is not flooded with copies. A game being discontinued has little effect on the overall value.
snotnose_colossal
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didnt somebody on CAG just pay like $120 Suikoden2 llast week or so
chickenhawk
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A little bit off topic, but is there any way to know which games were produced in low numbers? Is there a website or something to get this information?
red flare graf
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I wish they would reprint Suikoden 2 or something and totally 
up any worth of the older copies. That is one misfortune for others I would truly laugh at. Ahaha.. ha!
up any worth of the older copies. That is one misfortune for others I would truly laugh at. Ahaha.. ha!
Sorry but I really got ask this.
How old are you that you can't figure this out for yourself? I get these same type of questions in my store and I am dumbfounded that people actually expect me to answer them.
"Why is X game priced this much"....
Well duh...because that's what it sells for!
What's the next thread? Why is the sky blue?
How old are you that you can't figure this out for yourself? I get these same type of questions in my store and I am dumbfounded that people actually expect me to answer them.
"Why is X game priced this much"....
Well duh...because that's what it sells for!
What's the next thread? Why is the sky blue?
RBM
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Aye. As well ask, "Why aren't all LP's from the same era as the Beetles worth as much as those from the Fab Four?" Quality. That's why. The passage of time and ensuing scarcity of a crappy piece of work (game title or otherwise) isn't going to contribute to its worth. It'll just be an old, rare piece of crap. 
As an aside, my favorite question in a similar vein would be,"Why should I pay X dollars for that top of the line system?! I can get it for half that price in a year or two." Because you won't want it in a year or two. You'll want whatever's top of the line then, Gomer.
As an aside, my favorite question in a similar vein would be,"Why should I pay X dollars for that top of the line system?! I can get it for half that price in a year or two." Because you won't want it in a year or two. You'll want whatever's top of the line then, Gomer.
Obviously RPGs, which focus on story and gameplay mechanics would still be interesting to play a decade later, but fighting games (for example) would be superceded by current technology so almost nobody would want to play a 10 year old fighting game.
A sequel or movie based on the franchise also renews interest in (and increases demand for) a game.
P.S. Defender: you suck. Really. The sky is blue because blue light has a shorter wavelength, and is scattered nearly ten times more than light at the other end of the visible spectrum (see http://www.wikipedia.com/wiki/Rayleigh_scattering ). Did you know that?
If you don't feel like answering a question, don't. You don't have to imply the question was stupid. The original poster's question was valid. Your response was not.
A sequel or movie based on the franchise also renews interest in (and increases demand for) a game.
P.S. Defender: you suck. Really. The sky is blue because blue light has a shorter wavelength, and is scattered nearly ten times more than light at the other end of the visible spectrum (see http://www.wikipedia.com/wiki/Rayleigh_scattering ). Did you know that?
If you don't feel like answering a question, don't. You don't have to imply the question was stupid. The original poster's question was valid. Your response was not.
michaellew99
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I have a question. How come a few years ago a copy of Puzzle Fighter for PS1 went for like $100 on ebay and now it only goes for like $30 or $40? Did they reissue it? And if so, why would Capcom reissue an old game?
chickenhawk
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[quote name='RBM']Aye. As well ask, "Why aren't all LP's from the same era as the Beetles worth as much as those from the Fab Four?" Quality. That's why. The passage of time and ensuing scarcity of a crappy piece of work (game title or otherwise) isn't going to contribute to its worth. It'll just be an old, rare piece of crap.
As an aside, my favorite question in a similar vein would be,"Why should I pay X dollars for that top of the line system?! I can get it for half that price in a year or two." Because you won't want it in a year or two. You'll want whatever's top of the line then, Gomer.[/quote]
I must disagree with your last point. If that was the case then Sony wouldn't be projecting a 10+ year life cycle for PS2 and we would see discountinued production instead of price cuts on the current consoles. The fact is that a segment of the population will pay $300 for a PS2 on release day, but another segment, arguably a larger one, will wait a year or two or more for a price drop. The system will still be new to them. People continue to buy consoles as they get cheaper so your point has no real merit.
BTW, this is not a flame, just presenting the other side of the argument.
As an aside, my favorite question in a similar vein would be,"Why should I pay X dollars for that top of the line system?! I can get it for half that price in a year or two." Because you won't want it in a year or two. You'll want whatever's top of the line then, Gomer.[/quote]
I must disagree with your last point. If that was the case then Sony wouldn't be projecting a 10+ year life cycle for PS2 and we would see discountinued production instead of price cuts on the current consoles. The fact is that a segment of the population will pay $300 for a PS2 on release day, but another segment, arguably a larger one, will wait a year or two or more for a price drop. The system will still be new to them. People continue to buy consoles as they get cheaper so your point has no real merit.
BTW, this is not a flame, just presenting the other side of the argument.
Puzzle Fighter was reprinted (repressed?) for the obvious reason - demand was high enough. In addition, the GBA version probably lowered demand (but may actually have increased it - not sure about this specific case since some people playing the GBA version might have wanted to play it on a TV).
RBM
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[quote name='chickenhawk']I must disagree with your last point. If that was the case then Sony wouldn't be projecting a 10+ year life cycle for PS2 and we would see discountinued production instead of price cuts on the current consoles. The fact is that a segment of the population will pay $300 for a PS2 on release day, but another segment, arguably a larger one, will wait a year or two or more for a price drop. The system will still be new to them. People continue to buy consoles as they get cheaper so your point has no real merit.[/quote]
Well, to be honest, I was thinking more along the lines of computer hardware and not consoles. Yes, you're right, that line of reasoning would not extend to gaming consoles, since they are not subjected to the same rhythm of hardware release vs. planned obsolescence(sp?) vs. price fall-offs that computer systems are (although this gruesome cycle has not been nearly so vicous in the last few years, given the drop-off of "must have" software titles which demand cutting-edge hardware....although Half-Life 2 will probably remedy that trend.)
Well, to be honest, I was thinking more along the lines of computer hardware and not consoles. Yes, you're right, that line of reasoning would not extend to gaming consoles, since they are not subjected to the same rhythm of hardware release vs. planned obsolescence(sp?) vs. price fall-offs that computer systems are (although this gruesome cycle has not been nearly so vicous in the last few years, given the drop-off of "must have" software titles which demand cutting-edge hardware....although Half-Life 2 will probably remedy that trend.)
chickenhawk
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[quote name='RBM'][quote name='chickenhawk']I must disagree with your last point. If that was the case then Sony wouldn't be projecting a 10+ year life cycle for PS2 and we would see discountinued production instead of price cuts on the current consoles. The fact is that a segment of the population will pay $300 for a PS2 on release day, but another segment, arguably a larger one, will wait a year or two or more for a price drop. The system will still be new to them. People continue to buy consoles as they get cheaper so your point has no real merit.[/quote]
Well, to be honest, I was thinking more along the lines of computer hardware and not consoles. Yes, you're right, that line of reasoning would not extend to gaming consoles, since they are not subjected to the same rhythm of hardware release vs. planned obsolescence(sp?) vs. price fall-offs that computer systems are (although this gruesome cycle has not been nearly so vicous in the last few years, given the drop-off of "must have" software titles which demand cutting-edge hardware....although Half-Life 2 will probably remedy that trend.)[/quote]
I would agree with you then re: computer hardware. My dad is that way....he's always upgrading his computer.
Well, to be honest, I was thinking more along the lines of computer hardware and not consoles. Yes, you're right, that line of reasoning would not extend to gaming consoles, since they are not subjected to the same rhythm of hardware release vs. planned obsolescence(sp?) vs. price fall-offs that computer systems are (although this gruesome cycle has not been nearly so vicous in the last few years, given the drop-off of "must have" software titles which demand cutting-edge hardware....although Half-Life 2 will probably remedy that trend.)[/quote]
I would agree with you then re: computer hardware. My dad is that way....he's always upgrading his computer.
PsyClerk
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[quote name='eldad9']Obviously RPGs, which focus on story and gameplay mechanics would still be interesting to play a decade later, but fighting games (for example) would be superceded by current technology so almost nobody would want to play a 10 year old fighting game.
A sequel or movie based on the franchise also renews interest in (and increases demand for) a game.
P.S. Defender: you suck. Really. The sky is blue because blue light has a shorter wavelength, and is scattered nearly ten times more than light at the other end of the visible spectrum (see http://www.wikipedia.com/wiki/Rayleigh_scattering ). Did you know that?
If you don't feel like answering a question, don't. You don't have to imply the question was stupid. The original poster's question was valid. Your response was not.[/quote]
I wouldn't agree with the fighting game analogy 100%. Some folks consider Street Fighter II CE to be the best iteration of the series, and others feel Mortal Kombat II was MK's peak. Hell, even I get the urge to go back and play the older versions (Tekken II or III is better than Tag or IV, for me anyways).
And while I agree with the general gist of the last part of your post, I frown upon the harshness of it. I think (or should I say hope?) Defender was joking.
Besides, he gets a break, he gives us cheap ass deals.
A sequel or movie based on the franchise also renews interest in (and increases demand for) a game.
P.S. Defender: you suck. Really. The sky is blue because blue light has a shorter wavelength, and is scattered nearly ten times more than light at the other end of the visible spectrum (see http://www.wikipedia.com/wiki/Rayleigh_scattering ). Did you know that?
If you don't feel like answering a question, don't. You don't have to imply the question was stupid. The original poster's question was valid. Your response was not.[/quote]
I wouldn't agree with the fighting game analogy 100%. Some folks consider Street Fighter II CE to be the best iteration of the series, and others feel Mortal Kombat II was MK's peak. Hell, even I get the urge to go back and play the older versions (Tekken II or III is better than Tag or IV, for me anyways).
And while I agree with the general gist of the last part of your post, I frown upon the harshness of it. I think (or should I say hope?) Defender was joking.
Besides, he gets a break, he gives us cheap ass deals.
[quote name='defender']Sorry but I really got ask this.
How old are you that you can't figure this out for yourself? I get these same type of questions in my store and I am dumbfounded that people actually expect me to answer them.
"Why is X game priced this much"....
Well duh...because that's what it sells for!
What's the next thread? Why is the sky blue?[/quote]
You haven't seen my local store though... they had used copies of Metal Arms selling for $30. Every time I bring something to his attention like that, he starts giving me shit. It isnt MY fault he doesn't run his store worth shit. He doesn't even pick up the phone anymore, for anyone... thats because he's always talking to his friends and smoking weed. What an irresponsible dumbass. At least run your damn business the way it should be.
How old are you that you can't figure this out for yourself? I get these same type of questions in my store and I am dumbfounded that people actually expect me to answer them.
"Why is X game priced this much"....
Well duh...because that's what it sells for!
What's the next thread? Why is the sky blue?[/quote]
You haven't seen my local store though... they had used copies of Metal Arms selling for $30. Every time I bring something to his attention like that, he starts giving me shit. It isnt MY fault he doesn't run his store worth shit. He doesn't even pick up the phone anymore, for anyone... thats because he's always talking to his friends and smoking weed. What an irresponsible dumbass. At least run your damn business the way it should be.
[quote name='defender']
Well duh...because that's what it sells for!
What's the next thread? Why is the sky blue?[/quote]
Answer
The sky is blue because of a process called Rayleigh scattering. Light arriving from the Sun hits the molecules in the air and is scattered in all directions. The amount of scattering depends dramatically on the frequency, that is the colour of the light. Blue light, which has a high frequency is scattered ten times more than red light, which has a lower frequency. So the "background" scattered light we see in the sky is blue.
This same process also explains the beautiful red colours at sunset. When the Sun is low on the horizon, its light has to pass through a large amount of atmosphere on its way to us. During the trip, blue light is scattered away, but red light, which is less susceptible to scattering, can continue on its direct path to our eyes.
just in case someone got topic ideas from your post ;-)
Well duh...because that's what it sells for!
What's the next thread? Why is the sky blue?[/quote]
Answer
The sky is blue because of a process called Rayleigh scattering. Light arriving from the Sun hits the molecules in the air and is scattered in all directions. The amount of scattering depends dramatically on the frequency, that is the colour of the light. Blue light, which has a high frequency is scattered ten times more than red light, which has a lower frequency. So the "background" scattered light we see in the sky is blue.
This same process also explains the beautiful red colours at sunset. When the Sun is low on the horizon, its light has to pass through a large amount of atmosphere on its way to us. During the trip, blue light is scattered away, but red light, which is less susceptible to scattering, can continue on its direct path to our eyes.
just in case someone got topic ideas from your post ;-)
[quote name='defender']Sorry but I really got ask this.
How old are you that you can't figure this out for yourself? I get these same type of questions in my store and I am dumbfounded that people actually expect me to answer them.
"Why is X game priced this much"....
Well duh...because that's what it sells for!
What's the next thread? Why is the sky blue?[/quote]
sheesh...you don't have to go and make a huge deal out of it...i was just askin why ppl would actually want to pay that much for a game...there ARE other games...its not like that game's the best game ever or anything...
i guess its my cheapass mindset to get games for cheap :lol:
How old are you that you can't figure this out for yourself? I get these same type of questions in my store and I am dumbfounded that people actually expect me to answer them.
"Why is X game priced this much"....
Well duh...because that's what it sells for!
What's the next thread? Why is the sky blue?[/quote]
sheesh...you don't have to go and make a huge deal out of it...i was just askin why ppl would actually want to pay that much for a game...there ARE other games...its not like that game's the best game ever or anything...
i guess its my cheapass mindset to get games for cheap :lol:
Theenternal
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[quote name='snotnose_colossal']didnt somebody on CAG just pay like $120 Suikoden2 llast week or so[/quote] That was me , It came with the guide, both were mint. I sold the guide for 55, so in the end I paid 56+ 6 dollars shipping for suikoden 2.
, It came with the guide, both were mint. I sold the guide for 55, so in the end I paid 56+ 6 dollars shipping for suikoden 2.
bread's done