This is a brave new world for games retail.
Gamers have become accustomed to paying more for digital titles, despite the fact that logic should dictate that a digital product – which is free of material, logistics and distribution costs – should retail for less.
But that may no longer be the case.
Sony has told MCV that the price cut to Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes for PS4 on PSN revealed this morning is its own initiative that, according to a Sony UK spokesperson, “is trying to be more competitive [as the] store price is around £30”.
The source also pointed out that the digital version of InFamous: Second Son is £49.99, which is cheaper than some High Street stores.
Konami separately confirmed that it had no involvement in Ground Zeroes’ drop from £29.99 to £24.99.
It’s an interesting development after a generation of consoles where platform holders were nervous of undercutting the High Street, on which it previously placed so much dependence and had, for want of a better description, to ‘keep onside’.
That this sentiment has at the least reduced in importance is a big indicator that platform holders are now looking ahead to a time where its reliance on physical retail is significantly lessened.
Microsoft last month slashed the digital price of Xbox One title Ryse: Son of a Rome in a move it admitted was a direct attempt to compete with High Street retail rivals.
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/mgsv-...street/0129971