According to the Office for National Statistics
in the UK, a rise in inflation to 2% is partially attributable to the rise in price of video games. February's report
states that the prices "for computer games increased in February in contrast to sales a year ago" which is
cited as one of the factors that has pushed inflation up from 1.9% to 2.0%, the first increase since September last
year. This report underlines the immense economic force behind the video games industry, as well as the UK consumer's
(possibly reluctant)
acceptance of the increased price of video games.Whilst we've seen signs that current-gen titles are dropping in price, publishers have simultaneously been trying to push the price of AAA titles above $50 for years. Xbox 360 titles now regularly sell for $60 alongside "special edition" games that come with small perks and a $5-25 premium. The effect is even more pronounced in the UK where most Xbox 360 titles sell at or near the recommended retail price of £49.99 (US$86).
[Via Guardian Business]
