Games are too expensive?

Recently came upon this interesting CVG article

I'm not sure whether it's pure arrogance or some sort of twisted irony that a developer here complains about other games being too expensive except for his own (hah).
And on a sidenote here mr. Howard, how are your thoughts on 130£ collector's editions exactly? *cough*

Still, there's a deeper issue behind that and that's the fact if maybe the game market isn't becoming a bit too saturated with the current price system. There is a cartload of AAA titles to be expected this autumn and I can easily imagine gamers making a tough decision on which ones to buy, and which ones to forego. Especially seeing as how new games are easily between 30-60£, depending on platform and retailer.

Is this a developer anticipating lower sales? Perhaps a bit although I can't see Skyrim's sales anywhere except sky-high.
In essence Tod Howard  is right, some triple A titles are demanding the same money, but for a lot less content than in the past. I'd like to present to you exhibit number A: Dragon Age 2, which has already become the red-headed stepchild of the franchise. Clairvoyantly even before DA3 has to come out.
And as we have seen, those AAA-games are not necessarily a product that is slick and span and QA-assured. Exhibit number B your honour: Brink A game that managed to have more bugs on release than the usual infested restaurant from Gordon Ramsey's show. Oh, and gameplay that turned us in the vocal replica of aformentioned chef.

And as stated in the article, this is where some new indie titles have crept into our heart by offering us almost unlimited play from a sandbox-type gameplay for as little as often 5-15£.

And if you don't mind, I think I'll send the rest of my evening playing Terraria now :)



Written by Brecht Debels