this is always an interesting topic/discussion! It is true, after all, that we (in a general sense) always complain that games are getting more and more expensive. Is it actually true? I would also add the fact that, back in the day, we didn't buy games ourselves, but relied on our parents. It might sound silly, but I think it kinda removes an element from the "gaming purchase experience" (let's call it this way) since it's not our own money and, as kids, we don't have a proper sense of "money" and such. As adults, on the other hand, it becomes our own money...well, that's a different story lol as said, it sounds silly, but it's something that should not be ignored :D Also, I'd argue that games tend to go down in price much faster today than back then (as far as I can remember). Your video made me curious, though, so I have looked at some numbers (because that's fun lol) and, of course, I am writing from my personal perspective of being a gamer in Italy (taking into account that in 2002 we adopted the euro instead of the lira): 1) Consoles: when the psone was released in 1995, it was priced 750,000 lire (which is crazy expensive, thinking about it), but by 1998 it had decreased to 250,000 lire (exchange rates are tricky, but I believe that in US $ it would be $463 at launch - instead of $299 - and $143 by 1998) On gamestop's website, a psfive is priced €550 (which is the equivalent of more than 1,000,000 lire - which was an average monthly salary in 1990); however, if we consider inflation, a 750,000 lire psone would cost €580 today, while a 250,000 lire psone from 1998 would cost €180 (not that different from a used psfour, priced between €150 and 160) For comparisons' sake, a brand new pstwo (2000) was priced at 829,00 lire (= € 428), but eventually lowered to 599,000 (= €309); with inflation, it would be €574.5 at launch, and basically €395 by early 2002, when the euro became the official currency. Finally, when the psthree was released in Italy in 2007, it was priced at €599.99 (60gb version), which would translate to almost €700 today. 2) Games: a brand new psone game in 1999-2000 could cost between 89,000 and 110,000 lire (= €45.9 and 56.8); a brand new copy of Dragon's Dogma 2, on the other hand, costs €81 (= basically 157,000 lire), while Switch games are priced between €50 and 61. However, if we adjust 1999-2000 prices once again, those psone games would cost between €63 and 78, so not that different... It would seem that games have actually maintained an overall consistency cost-wise over here as well. Then we have salaries, costs of living, etc. but that would take way too long lol Sorry for the long and boring comment, but, as said, it's a fascinating topic :D
I enjoyed the long comment! I'm glad that my video inspired at least one other person to go check out prices and finances on their own. It's nice to see that consistency has been... well, consistent, across some different regions. From what I've heard, Australians have had it historically bad, and I think that a Latin American country (Brazil?) had major, digital price increases not too long ago. Yeah, games do drop in price incredibly quickly these days. I thought of that point too, how aside from Nintendo exclusives, there's very little reason to buy anything at full price now. Was that the same in the past? I don't know. I wonder if my parents will remember anything. Thanks for sharing some of your research :) I spent half a day looking at all kinds of unrelated financial figures!
in canada everything is expensive but we miraculously get by lol funny enough i remember i had a box copy of aidyn chronicles on N64 that still had the original price tag from toys r us and it was 120$ i feel bad for the person that paid that price retail at the time lol
OOF. I can treasure my collection a lot more now knowing some of the retail prices. No wonder it took so long for gaming to become mainstream (among other reasons).
Great video. I believe you are correct on how games are slightly cheaper than back then. Just comparing to food costs proves how expensive things are these days. At least just for my limited understanding 😂
Ha, you've understood correctly. The first IGN article in the description has more price examples on the gaming side. With anything else, searching "price in the 90s" usually shows lower dollar amounts than what we spend today.
Competition doesn’t work like it used to but it showcases the importance of healthy competition. Gaming has stayed affordable because they have no choice but to do so. As the prices of necessities keep on rising, it is only natural that non essential items will take the hit. Raising the prices will only hurt the gaming industry and these bigger companies know that. How will things balance out, I do t know but it’s an interesting topic of discussion
The problem is that the standards of console gaming is so low now, yet enough people still buy them regardless to the point that companies don't even try anymore.
