News today from the US that the PC version of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 will be have the same $59.99 price point as its console counterparts has caused anger and controversy in the US. Not only is the game $10 USD above the usual $49.99 price point for new release PC games, the Hardened and Prestige Editions of the game will not be available on PC.
Back here in New Zealand, not only have the console versions had their prices jacked up by a further $10 on top of an already inflated $140 “premium” price point, the PC version is being sold for $30 cheaper. To be fair, the PC version seems to have had a price bump also, above the $100 price point PC games often release at.
It is really time gamers voted with their wallets. Activision are issuing a challenge with their pricing. They think that their game is worth $150, and it is not up to me to say that it is not. If gamers think that it is worth the asking price, then Activision will be fully justified with the decision. But if not, then spending your hard earned dollars elsewhere is the only way to send a clear message that you are not happy with the pricing. If ever you needed any proof that consumer power can make a difference, you need only look at Cadbury’s decision this week to revert to the former Dairy Milk recipe in the face of a consumer backlash.
I agree. There’s no way I’m paying $150 for that game. The reality is, though, if there’s any game that droves of gamers will shell out $150 for, it’s going to be Modern Warfare 2.
Personally, I think COD4: MW is pretty damn over-rated, and I only have a passing interest in a sequel. And the $150 price tag has just confirmed that I won’t be picking this up.
Not picking up either. I loved COD4, but $150 rrp is TO MUCH!
There comes a point at which people won’t be prepared to “pay for the convenience” of walking into a bricks and mortar store and picking this up off the shelves rather than waiting for it to arrive in the mail from overseas or elsewhere in New Zealand.
I hope that $150 is that point. $140 probably should have been though…
Don’t get me wrong – there are games that I would probably be prepared to pay $140 and possibly even $150 for, but Modern Warfare 2 simply isn’t one of them.
But you’re right – if people can pick this up for cheaper from overseas, then hopefully it will happen en masse with this game and send a real message to publishers/retailers.
No! just say No! Loved COD4 but this is not happening.
There’s just no way to justify paying that amount of money for a videogame.
I never really get into the multiplayer side of FPS games, too many jerk wads and voice really breaks the fourth wall for me, leaving me with only the single player component, which will probably be 10-12 hours long. That’s hardly value for money.
Moves like this just push gamers to look for cheaper alternatives like buying second hand, from which the publisher gets no profit, or piracy, from which no-one benefits.
My suspiscion is that Activision are trialling this new price point and if succeccful, will increase the price of all future releases.
Bum move Activision … Gamers will vote with their wallets, I just hope they vote wisely, for the sake of us all.
What a joke! $150?! Definitely not picking this up until I can get a better price then.
I’m not getting it. But all the guys I played COD4 with already have it on pre-order… idiots
Man, I have never pirated a game, but this is making it very tempting.
ButtonMasher does not endorse that sort of activity!
We do however endorse paying lower prices, even if that means getting the game from overseas.
So people are alright with $120 now? Still never really got used to that price.
$140-150 is just crazy talk. I am not giving Activision the satisfaction. It’s Import/hire for me.
I have never spent over 100 fir a game. Never will. I’d rather wait than pay
The only time I spend over $100 for a game is when another one comes free (DSE 2 for 1 mistake, Buy one EA Sports Game get one for $10)
However I would be tempted to break that for Mass Effect 2 but even for that I would not pay over $120 unless it came with some pretty awesome stuff
I would say I’ll wait for MW2 to come down but may just end up borrowing it off a mate anyway to play the single player. Still prefer Battlefield multiplayer
Gamesman are selling online for $135 for hardened thats still an extra $10-20 but if this game is as good as i expect it to be i’ll be willing to pay $10-20 extra for it
A lot has been said about using VOIP as your lone telephone line, but I’d add it up this way: Don’t use VOIP as your sole telephone line. VOIP lines can go down for numerous causes, including power failures, internet outages, or VOIP net troubles.