In the midst of all this news concerning expensive Xbox 360 bundles, SKUs, and HD- less Core configurations, we haven't had much time to consider the ever escalating costs of next-generation software itself. Sure, everyone likes to brush off the announced $60 price point as what's necessary to keep developers going (what with the more complex hardware and labor-intensive production work that'll be required), but have we let Sony and Microsoft get away with too much when it comes to new game prices for next-gen titles?
Well, cheap gamers, rejoice: it looks like Microsoft is only charging $49.99 for its first-party games for the Xbox 360, starting with Project Gotham Racing 3, Kameo, and Perfect Dark Zero. (The limited edition of PDZ will apparently retail for $59.99 instead of $69.99 now.) GameStop and EB have virtually identical product pages (with identical prices), but GameStop estimates the games' shipping date as November 1st, while EB lists them as November 15th, one or both of which will obviously change when the official launch date is finally announced. Third-party titles like Dead or Alive 4 remain $59.99 each (limit 1 per person online at EB), but it's hard not to wonder if such an MSRP can stand in light of Microsoft's aggressive first-party pricing.
You can find more information (some of which has been confirmed) in a post civil_dissident made on the Modojo forums (linked below) last Wednesday. Other great tidbits in that post include MS wireless-controller exclusivity until December 2007, and the already mentioned first-party pricing parity with current generation games, but extended to $29.99 bargain titles as well. Ready to buy more launch games with your 360 now?
