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Reason behind lack of steam sales revealed

Steam Sale Standoff | Gamers Question Prolonged Pricing Strategy

By

Kylie Moon

May 27, 2025, 11:09 AM

2 minutes of duration

A group of people discussing Steam game sales on forums, with some looking confused and others engaged in conversation.
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A growing number of gamers are expressing frustration over the absence of significant sales on Steam for certain titles, igniting debates across forums. Comments suggest dissatisfaction with the pricing trends of new releases, particularly in light of recent updates.

Why the Wait?

Gamers are left wondering whatโ€™s causing certain games, like those from Sony's first-party lineup, to stay at high price points. One keen observer noted, "It's been newly updated on both PC and console, and Sony first-party titles are notoriously sticky price-wise." As games receive patches, their prices remain largely untouched, perplexing many.

The Update Dilemma

A significant point raised in discussions centers around recently implemented updates. Many users report that these updates have revived previous bugs and glitches, complicating the purchasing decision.

"If I were you, Iโ€™d hang on for a saleโ€ฆ Itโ€™ll be cheaper by then," a forum participant advised, suggesting that the current issues may influence release discounts.

Not Just Any Game

Interestingly, when specific titles do not go on sale, people take note. A comment pointedly questioned, "Guess which game thatโ€™s not about zombies isnโ€™t on sale again?" This implies a broader concern over visibility and marketing practices that some games face.

Key Points from User Conversations

  • โ—€๏ธ High Prices Persist: Many first-party titles from Sony show little fluctuation in price, even post-update.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Glitchy Updates: Recent patches have seemingly brought back old bugs, affecting gameplay experiences and decision-making.

  • โฐ Wait for Sales: Users widely recommend patience before making purchases, anticipating substantial discounts down the line.

Overall, as gamers scrutinize pricing strategies and seek answers, the conversation reflects a deeper concern about the balance of quality updates and sales opportunities. Could this shift in expectations signal larger changes within the gaming industry?

Gazing into the Gaming Crystal Ball

As the conversation intensifies around pricing strategies, thereโ€™s a strong chance that game developers will reassess their approaches. Many believe that if current trends continue, we could see a 60% likelihood of significant discounts on major releases over the next few months. Gamers may increasingly demand not just better prices but also higher quality in updates. This response from developers could reshape marketing strategies, likely resulting in more promotional events tailored around community feedback, especially as the gaming landscape shifts to adjust to these expectations.

Echoes of the Comic Book Crash

A less obvious parallel might be drawn to the comic book industry of the late 1990s. Just as todayโ€™s gamers are grappling with stagnating prices and disappointing updates, comic book enthusiasts faced a market oversaturated with high prices and underwhelming content. During that time, the eventual response led to a resurgence of quality storytelling and more accessible pricing models, paving the way for the industry's revitalization. This historical moment illustrates how pressures from dedicated fans can prompt industries to rethink their value propositions in pursuit of both profitability and consumer satisfaction.