Sorry, I’m not following the A-to-B on your comment in relation to this topic. Sony isn’t charging $80 for games, and even $70 games regardless of consoles aren’t doing so hot. Microsoft hasn’t done console exclusives for a decade.
Consoles are a walled garden - the only reason they can do what they do is because of the lack of options for the customer to use their hardware.
PCs are the only gaming platform (apart from perhaps smartphones) that have an open framework untouchable by publishers or game platforms. You don’t have to publish with Sony and Microsoft, and the majority don’t.
Unless your console has homebrew, you will always be screwed by the platform holder.
ampersandrew@lemmy.world 2 days ago
Truscape@lemmy.blahaj.zone 2 days ago
I’m referring to that consoles can set the price period. You don’t have another marketplace (except for the used physical market, if you console supports it) to acquire first or third party games. Therefore, those who own the market can set the price as high as they’d like.
I remember when console prices were standardized at 60 USD during the 7th generation. On steam I’ve never paid more than 40.
ampersandrew@lemmy.world 2 days ago
But this game is on Steam, and $80 is a price point companies are flirting with regardless of their ownership of the storefront, like Grand Theft Auto, for instance.
Truscape@lemmy.blahaj.zone 2 days ago
I bought the outer worlds for $10 on a steam summer sale. The list price and the price a customer pays tends to be much lower on PC (many wishlist and wait), and piracy is an option.
brucethemoose@lemmy.world 2 days ago
Splitting hairs here, but Steam is a pseudo monopoly at this point. Sure, one can not publish a game there, but I don’t think publishers are allowed to undercut it.
Which is fine since it’s behaving and working well…
For now.
lennee@lemmy.world 2 days ago
and steam is going to keep behaving well because they are very well aware that they are replaceable if they dont, cant replace sony on my ps5 tho
brucethemoose@lemmy.world 2 days ago
Are they?
They crushed other storefronts pretty good. They have a loyal following.
Maybe they won’t go full GFWL, but I fear they could enshittify substantially with the critical mass they have now.
Truscape@lemmy.blahaj.zone 2 days ago
And then the next storefront or launcher will come along. Or GOG/Epic start making moves that appeal to a wider demographic. Or indies publish on their own sites (Vintage Story). Or someone releases a simplistic cracking tool for steam gamers.
There’s a lot more options than you think for those who aren’t happy with the status quo. Going back full circle, on consoles, you are SOL in that situation. PC never had that issue.