Capcom’s forthcoming fantasy action-RPG, Dragon’s Dogma 2, is set to be released in March 2024, with a price tag of $69.99. However, if we disregard the common practice of deducting one cent to create the illusion of a significantly lower price, it becomes clear that the game is being sold for $70. This pricing strategy marks the first time that Capcom has set the base edition of a game at this price point in the United States. In the United Kingdom, the game is currently available for £53.98 on Steam. It appears that Capcom is taking a bold step in pricing their game higher, which was justified by a Capcom executive who claimed that videogames are currently priced “too low” considering the production costs.
While Dragon’s Dogma 2’s base edition is priced at $70, there also exists a deluxe edition that includes cosmetics and a gallery of music and sound assets, which will be sold for $80 or £65.98 on Steam. This pricing trend is not an anomaly, as other games such as Sony’s God of War Ragnarok and Warner’s Gotham Knights have also broken the $70 barrier. Capcom seems to have weighed the benefits of a price increase for some time now. According to Capcom President Haruhiro Tsujimoto, development costs have increased substantially since the Famicom era, while software prices have not witnessed a proportional rise. In light of rising industry wages, Tsujimoto sees raising unit prices as a viable option for sustaining a healthy business.
During this year’s Tokyo Game Show, Tsujimoto argued that even during tough economic times, the demand for high-quality games remains strong. He drew parallels with other forms of entertainment, suggesting that people continue to visit movie theaters or attend concerts of their favorite artists, despite recessions. This viewpoint supports the notion that premium games can still thrive in the face of economic challenges. However, whether Dragon’s Dogma 2 falls under the category of a “high-quality” game is subjective.
As an individual who has had the opportunity to experience Dragon’s Dogma 2 firsthand, I found the game to be enjoyable, albeit remarkably familiar. The game’s aesthetics, RPG classes, and core gameplay loop bear a striking resemblance to its predecessor. While some fans defend this familiarity as the game that director Hideaki Itsuno originally envisioned, I find myself slightly less convinced. As a fan of the original Dragon’s Dogma, I would prefer to see a sequel that builds upon the unique aspects of its predecessor rather than relying on a redemption arc to capture its former glory.
Considering the current information available about Dragon’s Dogma 2, I personally would not be willing to pay £50+ for the game. This is not a statement on the broader debate surrounding pricing and production costs; it is simply a judgment on the perceived value of this particular game based on the information at hand.
The issue of pricing in the gaming industry is multifaceted and complex. Development costs have undoubtedly risen significantly over the years, and it is understandable that publishers may feel compelled to raise prices to maintain profitability. However, the question of whether consumers are willing to bear the burden of these increased costs remains uncertain.
Dragon’s Dogma 2’s pricing strategy has ignited discussions about the relationship between the price of games and the rising costs of development. While Capcom believes that higher prices are necessary, it remains to be seen whether consumers will be willing to pay the increased amounts. Additionally, the game’s familiarity, though appreciated by some fans, raises concerns about the creative direction of the sequel. As we eagerly await the release of Dragon’s Dogma 2 in March 2024, it is crucial for both developers and consumers to reflect on the delicate balance between pricing, quality, and innovation in the gaming industry.
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