Key Takeaways
1. Gearbox Studios has not announced pre-orders for Borderlands 4, leading to speculation about pricing strategies.
2. Pricing discussions in the gaming industry are influenced by tariffs and inflation, with some companies like Nintendo and Microsoft raising prices to $80.
3. High game prices may risk losing customers, as there are quality alternatives available at lower prices.
4. Development costs for Borderlands 4 have doubled compared to its predecessor, affecting pricing considerations.
5. The release date for Borderlands 4 has been moved up to September 12, and its final price will be determined by the publisher, 2K Games.
Even third-party games might not be safe from economic shifts. Recently, Gearbox Studios held a gameplay showcase, but they didn’t provide any news about pre-orders for Borderlands 4. Some players think the developer prefers for either Microsoft or Sony to announce any bad news. At PAX East, Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford discussed the looter shooter further. He mentioned that the publisher would set the price, but he suggested that an $80 price tag for Borderlands 4 is a possibility.
Industry Pricing Discussions
Pitchford touched on a current discussion within the industry regarding how to price new games. Due to tariffs and inflation, Nintendo has opted to price some of its first-party Switch 2 games at $80. Microsoft quickly followed suit by raising prices for its consoles and titles. Meanwhile, Jason Schreier wrote in a Bloomberg piece that these decisions could lead to negative outcomes. He pointed out that there are many quality games available at lower prices, like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Publishers might risk losing customers and sales if they set prices too high.
Insights on Borderlands 4 Cost
When asked about the cost of Borderlands 4, Pitchford provided some interesting insights. He acknowledged that the “new price that Nintendo and Microsoft have led with” is being taken into account. While the game might be cheaper, the development costs have doubled compared to the previous installment. Once the pre-order information for Borderlands 4 is released, gamers will decide if it is worth the money. Regardless, the game is set to offer larger open areas than any prior game and highly adjustable skill trees.
In contrast to major AAA titles, such as GTA 6, Gearbox Studios is ahead of its schedule. The release date for Borderlands 4 has been moved up from September 23 to September 12. Nevertheless, the game has been in development since 2019. The publisher, 2K Games, will ultimately determine if the costs of development and the game’s attraction justify an $80 asking price.
Source:
Link
