Randy Pitchford has created a backlash when he suggested that “real fans” will “find a way” to buy and purchase Borderlands 4 even though its launch price is set at $80. It is a major increase in the price for AAA games that are typically set at $60 or $70. He justified it by stating that a Sega Genesis game used to cost $80 30 years ago. A comparison that seems to be out of proportion in the present economic conditions.
Michael Douse, publishing director of Larian Studios, a studio responsible for the development of Baldur’s Gate 3, called it “gross”
Douse’s exact statement reads “Inflation exists (we give inflation bumps for example to employees) and price increases can make sense, but saying ‘real fans will find a way’ is gross because it assumes your game is more important during a cost of living crisis than, for example, making it day to day.” He further added, “Real fans are people who love & understand what you do, keep track, and engage with your stuff regardless of how much they spend.”
When Michael Douse was asked if Baldur’s Gate 3 would ever have cost $80, he replied “We would probably not suggest people do whatever they can to buy it, lest they not be real fans.”
The parent company of the developer Take-Two Interactive and the publisher 2K Games has not confirmed the price of the game. The comment made by Randy Pitchford has created enough discontent in fans that they are review-bombing the game on Steam.
If the game really costs $80 then it will make Borderlands 4 one of the most expensive mainstream video games. It will lead to discussions of affordability and value in video games during the strained economic conditions.
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