Activision CEO says US economy could cause console price drop

Really, Alex? You couldn't be bothered to Photoshop a black-and-white XBox 360 with a $199 price tag into the Depression area photograph?

Slacker.

I doubt they'll drop the cost of consoles anytime soon. It would cause too much of a domino effect of failure... which include massive lay offs, possible decline in quality control, and more shovelware/ported titles than ever -- on ALL consoles.

Yes and no. Americans are spending less on wants and luxuries, but video games aren't one of those things that gets crushed very often. Price drops are coming, but probably not until the holiday. After all, many people are going to get checks for $300-$600 in the mail in the next few weeks - should be a profitable time for gaming companies.

I was just thinking...doesnt 2k own the rights to the MLB? They let Sony make the Show and they dont allow EA to make a baseball game because of EA's monopoly over football.

So does that mean if EA buys Take2, they will essentially hold the rights to the MLB and will not allow Sony to make The Show anymore?

We just cannot allow this to happen. I dont want to see our baseball games go the way of Madden and constantly get worse each year.

With that logic they should lower the prices on 60 dollar games too.

That is an awesome gaming set up - its outside, shielded from the sun. The guy obviously knows what he is doing as he got chicks handing around. He is obviously loaded, as evidenced by the trunk full of games and gear right in front.

Man, I am jealous!

I was wondering this same thing also. Video games aren't the leisurely past time they used to be. With consoles going for 399 and games going for 60 dollars people are going to look at these numbers and just say they aren't worth it.

For the High market gamer that gaming is their life, and their hobby I believe this won't be a problem. Those types of gamers buy video games instead of going to movies, and or other social things. But to the lower and middle market gamers, gaming won't be something they will be spending money on in the coming months because they don't have the same attachment. Especially as food and Oil hit all time highs, gaming just won't be a priority, unless your system is already pretty cheap.

The 360 isn't cheaper in India because the GDP per capita is lower. In fact, it's more expensive. I think it'll make them more reticent to drop price, because a small price difference will not stop it from being a luxury good, and seen as such.

Of course *HE* wants a price drop, he's not selling them! More consoles in consumers homes means more people to buy his software. His ideal world is a place where consoles are free and games are 50% margin.

This would be great news for people still on the fence of getting a PS3. So I would love a price cut. As for the Wii I could see the Wii go up in price and people would still buy that system.

Screw a Nintendo price drop, cut the cost of a 360 Elite!

Prices will drop as the technology is cheaper to produce. Those savings will not come right away but I expect a price drop for everything except the Wii around the November/December holiday time this year.

The Wii could see a price drop if the 360 Arcade comes at or below that $250.00 price point. I think a $50.00-$75.00 price drop would help the PS3 the most mainly because it is the most expensive out of the box and has the least market share.

Microsoft is almost certainly waiting for a PS3 price drop before they also implement another price drop on the 360. I think they will do that to take away the potential momentum of a PS3 price drop. At this point the PS3 has the most expensive manufacturing cost and is the most reasonably priced in comparison to those manufacturing cost.

It seems a sweet spot for consoles in terms of affordability is right where the Wii and the 360 Arcade are.

I honestly expected a price drop around the GTA IV release for the 360, but it didn't happen in the States. So I am assuming a larger than expected price cut on the 360 around Christmas time. Dare I say a $75 price break for all their consoles?

Slightly inappropriate pic IMO. I like a laugh as much as the next guy, but using pictures of people in pain/hardship goes a little far...

I would gladly buy myself an Xbox360, but even with the stimulus plan checks coming in a few weeks, I need to use the money for bills and a wedding.

I do wish that they would lower the cost though, I would be in front of my Best Buy ASAP.

Unfortunately, being an adult gamer, I need to manage my money between bills, the house, gas (4.00 a gallon here), etc, before I can even contemplate buying a new console.

Well, if it is too expensive to go out, I'll make damn sure I'm happy staying in. Video games provide that happiness.

My question: How do anti-trust laws relate to the gaming industry? Is there such a thing as a sports game trust? an rpg trust? If a company buys out all the developers of a certain kind of game, is that a violation of anti-trust laws?