Why Are FromSoftware Games So Pricey in 2025? | Price Controversy in Gaming
Edited By
Noah Rodriguez
In a surprising twist, the pricing strategy of FromSoftware continues to spark heated discussions among gamers in 2025. Despite the popularity of titles like Elden Ring, players question why discounts on these games are virtually nonexistent.
Pricing Policies Under Fire
Curiously, some see the current pricing of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice as excessive, especially when Elden Ring remains at full price despite high demand. A comprehensive analysis from various forums highlights that publishers, not developers, dictate sales. As one commenter noted, "since Elden Ring, Bamco realized that heavy discounts on Souls games are like throwing money away."
The Shift in Discount Strategy
Since the massive success of Elden Ring, the landscape for Souls games has drastically changed.
Recent Trends: Previously, discounts of up to 70% were common, but that’s now a rarity.
Activision's Role: Sekiro, published by Activision, has maintained its high price, with many claiming they raised it after Elden Ring’s success.
Market Dynamics: "Their games remain the best of the genre," stated another user, pointing out that fans will pay full price for quality.
Are These Prices Justified?
Many gamers argue that the long-standing reputation of FromSoftware enables them to uphold their prices. "If the game is still selling for full price, why discount it?" commented another participant, drawing a parallel with Nintendo’s games.
"Those games are so good that people will pay those prices without even thinking twice," added another user.
User Sentiments Trending Downward
This ongoing debate reveals a mix of sentiments: disappointment over pricing, admiration for game quality, and questions about pricing ethics in gaming. As game developers slowly move toward less frequent discounts, it's unclear how this will affect consumer loyalty.
Key Insights
🔸 Bandai Namco and Activision shape sales decisions for beloved titles.
🔹 The maximum discount now sits at around 50% for titles that once went deeper.
🔸 Quality games command respect and sales retention, allowing continuous full pricing.
Such pricing strategies might alter consumer expectations moving forward, reshaping the market dynamics for AAA and indie games alike.
Looking ahead, will game developers leverage their reputations to sustain high prices? The conversation reveals a complex landscape worth monitoring.
Potential Future Pricing Trends
There’s a strong chance that the lengthy span of high prices with minimal discounts will continue for popular titles in 2025. As developers see that gamers are willing to pay full price, they may resist discounting items in the hopes of maximizing profits. Experts estimate that around 60% of major titles might stick to this model as they perceive ongoing successful launches in the Souls genre, reinforcing the belief that quality drives sales. This new normal could create a stark divide between AAA and indie games, where the latter may need competitive pricing to gain traction amid higher-priced blockbusters.
Game Pricing Mirrors Vinyl Resurgence
This situation finds an unexpected echo in the 2000s resurgence of vinyl records, where collectors paid premium prices for limited releases, establishing a trend of higher value for certain artistic expressions. Just as quality and nostalgia drove vinyl sales despite the rise of digital music, the same dynamic appears in gaming. The steadfast following for FromSoftware titles may echo this love for cherished physical media, leading to a cherished community where fans pay a premium to support the craftsmanship behind these beloved games.