REDMOND, WA — Major studios announced Monday that $80 to $100 games are “probably just the beginning,” confirming a bold new strategy of selling players half a game now, then charging them for the rest through downloadable content, horse armor, and “emotional resolution sold separately” bundles scheduled six months later.
While developers cite ballooning costs, broken physics, and high-resolution puddles as justifications, consumer advocates argue most full-priced games now arrive with fewer features than a 2003 flash demo. One analyst noted that several AAA titles come with day-one patches larger than the game itself and emotional baggage players never asked to carry.
Industry leaders maintain players should feel honored to participate in “ongoing monetization journeys,” comparing it to a museum experience where the walls are always changing and occasionally catch fire. “We’re offering dynamic content,” said one executive. “Sometimes the content is a working pause menu. Sometimes it’s just regret with a loading screen.”
Gamers have responded with measured outrage, long Reddit rants, and review bombing campaigns that developers promise to “totally ignore while counting yacht money.” One teen summed it up: “WTF are these prices? I will wait for a freaking sale,” before rage-quitting an early access menu. Several players now consider “beta” to be a permanent genre.
Critics point to titles like Baldur’s Gate 3 as rare examples of price matching quality, while the rest of the market spirals into a mess of loot boxes, deluxe disappointment editions, and real-money seasonal depression passes. For now, studios suggest players “adjust expectations” and “embrace the thrill of post-launch patch roulette.” Physical copies will still exist, but only as coasters.
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