Capcom is taking a bold step with its upcoming release, “Dragon’s Dogma 2“, not only by making it their first new-generation exclusive game but also by setting its base price at $70, a significant increase from the standard pricing of previous titles. This move, reflective of the rising costs in game development, marks a new era for Capcom but also raises questions about the global pricing strategy.
The announcement of “Dragon’s Dogma 2” for a March 22, 2024 release was accompanied by the revelation of its $70 price tag, making it Capcom’s first game to be priced at this level. This decision aligns with the statements made earlier this year by Capcom’s President Haruhiro Tsujimoto, who cited the increasing costs of game development as a rationale for higher prices.
With the gaming industry evolving and production costs soaring, this price hike seems to be a response to the financial realities of creating more sophisticated and immersive gaming experiences.
However, this increase has sparked mixed reactions among the gaming community. Fans on the “Dragon’s Dogma 2” subreddit have expressed both humor and concern over the new price point, with comments ranging from resignation to worry about how this will impact their gaming budgets.
A particular concern is the inconsistency in pricing across different regions. For example, a Canadian user noted that the base price in Canada is a steep $95 CAD.
Inconsistencies in Global Pricing
The price increase doesn’t uniformly translate across regions. In the UK, the PS5 version of “Dragon’s Dogma 2” is listed at £60 on the PlayStation Network Store.
This is notably lower than the £70 price tag seen for other $70 games in the region, like “Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart”. These regional discrepancies raise questions about the global pricing strategy and how it affects gamers in different markets.
Capcom’s New-Gen Exclusive Strategy
“Dragon’s Dogma 2” is not just making headlines for its pricing. It’s also Capcom’s first title exclusive to new-generation consoles, deviating from their usual approach of releasing games on both past and current-gen platforms.
This shift to new-gen exclusivity with the Xbox Series X/S and PS5 indicates a commitment to leveraging advanced technology to offer enhanced gaming experiences. Titles like “Street Fighter 6”, which were released across different generations, contrast with “Dragon’s Dogma 2’s” focused approach on the latest console technology.
As we approach the release date, “Dragon’s Dogma 2” stands as a pivotal release for Capcom, symbolizing both the challenges and opportunities in the current gaming landscape. The game’s reception, both in terms of its content and pricing, will likely set a precedent for future titles from the company and possibly the industry at large.
“Embark on an epic journey through a richly detailed world in our Dragon’s Dogma 2 review. Explore vast landscapes, engage in deep, strategic combat, and shape your story in this standout RPG that defies convention and rewards daring.”
