BREAKING: Sellers set their own prices for their own products
July 27th, 2009In a stunning realization, gamers discovered that the people who develop and produce their beloved games are actually allowed to determine their own price for the products they make. Tempers flared in the gaming community when it was announced that the PC version of publisher Activision Blizzard’s Modern Warfare 2 would cost $60, prompting a possible boycott.
“I couldn’t believe it,” said avid button-masher Joe McCrybaby. “I always just figured that there was some law that dictated that games were $50, especially PC games. When I found out that wasn’t the case, I was shocked.”
Infinity Ward, the developers of the game, noted that publishers have been able to set the prices of games for years.
“There is precedent for this, believe it or not,” said Infinity Ward’s Community Manager Robert Bowling. “In the past, publishers have been able to determine what they thought was a fair value for their game. This would sometimes lead to bargain games like Serious Sam for $20. On the other end of the spectrum, Warcraft III originally debuted at $60. We believe that’s a fair price for our game as well.”
McCrybaby reacted to this explanation with anger.
“Sure, less than $50 is fine. But anything more than that is crap. Blizzard learned their lesson after trying to pull that crap with Warcraft III.”
When it is pointed out that Warcraft III actually set sales records when it came out, McCrybaby simply complained that it would’ve done a lot better if it had debuted at the $50 pricepoint.
“A lot of people boycotted that game then just like I’m going to boycott Modern Warfare 2 now. I’ll have plenty of other things to play anyway like Guitar Hero 5, Band Hero, World of Warcraft and even Starcraft 2 is probably right around the corner!”
Activision Blizzard is the publisher of all of those games, as well as Modern Warfare 2.
July 29th, 2009 at 9:02 pm
This just in! Consumers have a right NOT to buy something they deem to be overpriced.
Seriously, yes this “guy” is a crybaby. BUT, if he chooses not to buy it because he thinks it costs too much, good for him. Personally, I don’t think ANY game is worth $60. Which is why I pretty much NEVER buy a game at launch for full price. In all honesty however, I bet this guy (if he actually exists) WILL buy the game for $60. He’ll just be pissed about it while he does it. In which case, he’s REALLY a crybaby.
July 30th, 2009 at 12:41 am
Cisco-
I think that was the angle I was going for here. A “boycott” over the price is stupid for a couple reasons… for one, the reason Kotaku also pointed out.. it’s not a boycott, it’s a buying decision. If you don’t want to pay $60 for a game, good for you. The other is that this guy is probably going to buy all kinds of other crap from the same company, which I’m sure they don’t care about.
Sure, some companies are getting a lot worse about charging extra for all kinds of crap, but Activision/Infinity Ward has probably earned enough respect with Modern Warfare 2 that they can probably very easily raise the price to $60 on the PC at least for the first month or 2 (which is what Warcraft 3 did if I recall). Besides, PC games seemingly always have quick price drops or first week deals… so it’s likely that people won’t have to pay the full price anyway if they’re looking for a deal.
July 30th, 2009 at 9:46 am
yeah, boycotts are just silly, particularly of a product you KNOW will be a blockbuster. The 12 guys sitting it out are just punishing themselves to make a point really. But, you mention, “they’ve earned enough respect”. I think you’re right, and they have, but I see it as taking advantage of that position by raising the price. But in the end, it’s all about what the market will bare and their corporate need to maximize profits, which I totally support.