With PlayStation heading into the next generation of gaming by releasing the PlayStation 5, one thing that has been on gamers' minds is the $10 price increase for next-generation games, making them cost $70 instead of the standard $60. However, as explained by Sony's boss, the price is considered to be fair and is justified.
While speaking with The Telegraph, Jim Ryan was asked whether or not he believed the price increase for PlayStation 5 games was fair to consumers. In his response, Ryan confirmed that he did think the new pricing model was fair, referencing the "hours of entertainment" brought by certain video games. Specifically, Sony's CEO brought up Demon's Souls and explained how many hours players can spend with the game as compared to other forms of entertainment. Considering that Demon's Souls is packed with content and is a pretty lengthy game, it shouldn't be too surprising that the game can take a while to beat.
While sticking to the subject of $70 PS5 games, Ryan was asked if there was any truth or validation to reports of Sony considering higher prices for premium PS5 games. Answering that question, Ryan stated that that report was "categorically false." Additionally, when asked if there was a possibility that future premium PS5 games would cost $70, Ryan explained that he wasn't going to make any predictions and reiterated that the report to further increase price of games was "categorically false." Simply put, it's safe to say that going forward, the $70 price tag will be the new norm.
On one hand, it's not too surprising to see a price increase for next-generation video games. One argument that can be brought up is inflation and how video games play a part, but another one that can further support the claim is that next-generation consoles are more hefty and cost more money to produce, which in return results in higher-priced games. Furthermore, as explained by Sony's CEO, the price increase also reflects the amounts of entertainment players can get from a game.
On the contrary, one might argue against Ryan's statement. For example, not every game is going to be like Demon's Souls, meaning that players may not necessarily spend the same amount of time on those games like they did with Demon's Souls. However, if the price is going to be the same either way, that may not sit well with some of the players. In other words, if another $70 PS5 game provides players with 10 hours of entertainment as opposed to a game that provides 30+ hours, it can be hard to justify the $70 price tag.
The PlayStation 5 is available now.
Source: The Telegraph
