- Credits
- 22,327
But maybe just for the first chapter. If you want more, pay up.
THQ boss Brian Farrell said that new console games will eventually drop in price, costing around $29 to $39. After purchasing a title, gamers would then have the option to download extra content that could cost up to $100. There's even a possibility that console games could go free-to-play, taking on the microtransaction structure currently used with PC-based MMORPGs online, or offering bonus "chapters" for a price.
During the Goldman Sachs Communacopia Conference in New York, Farrell noted that the MX Vs. ATV titles sell "reasonably well" when they hit the market packed with a $59.99 price tag--around one million to one million and a half units. But once the games are lowered to a mass market price range (meaning cheaper), sales suddenly spike.
"So what we're doing this time is we're coming out initially with a smaller game at a lower price point--the $29 to $39 range," he said, referring to the next MX Vs. ATV title due next year. "We're then doing a download model for different modes, different tracks, different vehicles. It's what we call a hybrid--it's a bit of the microtransaction and DLC model."
Farrell seems to firmly believe that this model will be the future of gaming whether it's the reduced-price model, or a take on the free-to-play mode. "It's where our industry is going and this is a very, very interesting experiment with one of our key brands," he said.
Sony has already introduced a similar model on the PSP with the release of ApeQuest, an RPG spinoff of Ape Escape. Gamers can download a "starter pack" for free, and then purchase the remaining three separate chapters (Gold, Blue and Red) for $9.99 each. Gamers can also purchase the entire bundle for $19.99.
Tom's Guide
Sort of remind me of Zynga games on Facebook where you pay for digital credits and money.
THQ boss Brian Farrell said that new console games will eventually drop in price, costing around $29 to $39. After purchasing a title, gamers would then have the option to download extra content that could cost up to $100. There's even a possibility that console games could go free-to-play, taking on the microtransaction structure currently used with PC-based MMORPGs online, or offering bonus "chapters" for a price.
During the Goldman Sachs Communacopia Conference in New York, Farrell noted that the MX Vs. ATV titles sell "reasonably well" when they hit the market packed with a $59.99 price tag--around one million to one million and a half units. But once the games are lowered to a mass market price range (meaning cheaper), sales suddenly spike.
"So what we're doing this time is we're coming out initially with a smaller game at a lower price point--the $29 to $39 range," he said, referring to the next MX Vs. ATV title due next year. "We're then doing a download model for different modes, different tracks, different vehicles. It's what we call a hybrid--it's a bit of the microtransaction and DLC model."
Farrell seems to firmly believe that this model will be the future of gaming whether it's the reduced-price model, or a take on the free-to-play mode. "It's where our industry is going and this is a very, very interesting experiment with one of our key brands," he said.
Sony has already introduced a similar model on the PSP with the release of ApeQuest, an RPG spinoff of Ape Escape. Gamers can download a "starter pack" for free, and then purchase the remaining three separate chapters (Gold, Blue and Red) for $9.99 each. Gamers can also purchase the entire bundle for $19.99.
Tom's Guide
Sort of remind me of Zynga games on Facebook where you pay for digital credits and money.
