Game Prices Are Increasing — What Now?

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Once upon a time, video games cost $59.99 and came with a manual you never read. That time is over.

2025 Greetings! Notably, prominent publishers are readjusting their prices upwards once more, and it appears that $80 is the standard price for blockbuster titles – this amount does not include deluxe editions, battle passes, or the inevitable in-game cat ears.

Indeed, video game prices seem to be on the rise, and if you’ve been following the news from Xbox or expressing frustration over Mario Kart: World’s pricing, you’ve likely noticed this trend isn’t letting up. So, the big question becomes: what are we going to do about it?

A Quick Recap: Price Creep Is Real

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve got some exciting news to share! It looks like Nintendo is stepping up their game with the upcoming releases of some Switch 2 titles priced at $80 in the U.S. – a departure from their usual pricing strategy for first-party games, which has traditionally been lower. On the other hand, Xbox is also jumping on board, raising the price of their flagship titles to join the $80 club. This shift could signal a new trend in video game pricing!

The reasoning is straightforward: as development expenses escalate, team sizes grow, games become more complex, and publishers tend to be more financially ambitious.

The Gamer Response: Boycott (But Not Really), Then Keep Reading

Even though everyone is unhappy with the increase in prices, experienced players are adjusting not by cutting back on spending, but by becoming more savvy about it. This is where digital marketplaces come into play.

Platforms such as Eneba have become vital resources for contemporary gamers who prefer not to sell their console to purchase a single AAA title at full price. These online marketplaces provide discounted game codes, gift cards, and currency boosts for all major gaming platforms, frequently with the flexibility to adapt to different regions, seasonal promotions, regular sales, and even cashback offers that make traditional storefront prices seem ludicrous.

Why Digital Marketplaces Work (and Keep Working)

It’s worth noting that many gamers are not intentionally avoiding payments. Instead, they aim to manage their finances effectively while continuing to enjoy their passion for gaming. Platforms such as Eneba provide options to do so by offering:

Legit digital keys for new and classic titles

Platform gift cards (great if you’re trying to preload funds or stick to a budget)

Lower prices thanks to vendor competition

Instant delivery, because no one wants to wait three days to rage in Elden Ring

And indeed, there are occasions when you might stumble upon a game that typically costs $80 being sold for as low as $54. In today’s economic climate, discovering such a deal is much like hitting the jackpot in a lottery and obtaining a hard-to-find item in a video game all at once.

So… Is $80 the New Normal?

It appears that for some time, publishers will likely maintain the expensive pricing of their games as hardware advances and development periods lengthen. Notably, the anticipated release of the Nintendo Switch 2 includes top-tier games aiming at the $80 price point, while Xbox is persisting with its premium strategy, combining it with Game Pass offerings.

However, this doesn’t imply you’re confined. If you’re refilling your wallet, seeking bargains on pre-orders, or simply aiming to sidestep additional costs for in-game currency, platforms like Eneba serve as player-friendly alternatives in a progressively costly gaming sector.

Prices Go Up, But So Do Options

Gaming is becoming increasingly expensive and seems more like a luxury than a hobby. However, gamers are also becoming savvier, which means they don’t have to shell out money for overpriced digital stores right away. Instead, they can explore alternatives such as digital marketplaces like Eneba that offer gaming experiences reminiscent of the more affordable days of 2012.

So no, we can’t stop the price hike. But we can outsmart it.

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2025-05-28 12:14