Are $80 Video Games a ‘Steal’? Former PlayStation Exec Sparks Debate

The rising cost of video games has been a hot topic among gamers, especially with Nintendo and Xbox announcing plans to release some titles at $80. But is this price hike justified? According to former PlayStation boss Shuhei Yoshida, the answer might surprise you. He argues that $70 or $80 for “really great” games is a “steal in terms of the amount of entertainment” they provide, compared to other forms of entertainment.

Yoshida's comments, made in an interview with Critical Hits Games featured at Gamescom Latam, sparked a debate about the perceived value of video games in today's market. He noted that many products have increased in price over the years, so it was only a matter of time before video games followed suit. He points out, "when you look at life in general, other products in price have increased, you know, way more than the game price. So I think it was almost too late for the video game companies to start looking at the pricing structure."

Yoshida believes that not all games should be priced the same, stating that "Each game has different value it provides, or the size of budget. I totally believe it's up to the publisher – or developers self-publishing – decision to price their product to the value that they believe they are bringing in."

This viewpoint aligns with Nintendo's approach. Nintendo of America product experience VP Bill Trinen told IGN that they evaluate each game individually, considering its content and value to determine the appropriate price.

Analyst Rhys Elliott of Alinea Analytics echoes this sentiment, suggesting that consumers are willing to pay more for games. "The market will bear it. Plenty of gamers are willing to pay price points above $70, as shown by the high numbers of those willing to pay $100 for a few days' early access," Elliott said. He believes that even during tough economic times, people will prioritize spending on their favorite forms of entertainment.

However, not everyone agrees entirely. Newzoo's Manu Rosier suggests that rising game prices might lead to a shift in spending habits. Consumers might become more selective, opting for subscriptions, discounted bundles, or live-service games over individual full-priced titles.

2K Games' decision to price Mafia: The Old Country at $50 demonstrates that not all games are trending towards higher prices. As Daniel Ahmad of Niko Partners explains, "$50 games in 2025 is just the new $40 games from the PS4 gen and $30 games from the PS2 gen. They've always existed and usually been the price point for titles that aren't quite AAA in nature." Mat Piscatella of Circana believes consumers may also gravitate towards free-to-play games.

As the gaming industry grapples with pricing strategies, one thing remains clear: the value of a game is subjective. While some argue that higher prices reflect the quality and entertainment value of modern games, others believe that cheaper alternatives and changing consumption patterns will shape the future of gaming.

What are your thoughts on the rising cost of video games? Do you agree with Yoshida's assessment that $80 games can be a “steal”? Share your opinions in the comments below!

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