EA Defies Trend: No Plans to Raise Video Game Prices

In a refreshing move for gamers, EA has officially announced it will not be increasing the price of its games, despite major competitors like Microsoft and Nintendo opting to charge $80 for their new releases. This decision was shared by EA's CEO, Andrew Wilson, during the company's most recent financial call with investors.

Wilson emphasized EA's commitment to providing "incredible quality and exponential value" to its players. He highlighted the success of EA's co-op adventure game, Split Fiction, which has impressively sold 4 million copies, as a testament to this approach. Reflecting on the evolution of the gaming industry, Wilson noted, "In terms of pricing power, our business is very different today than it was even just 10 years ago." He explained that while physical sales still contribute to their revenue, the focus has shifted significantly towards a diverse pricing model that ranges from free-to-play options to deluxe editions.

Wilson further elaborated, "At the end of the day, whether we're doing something that costs a dollar, or we're doing something that costs $10, or we're doing something that costs $100, our objective is always to deliver incredible quality and exponential value for our playerbase." He stressed that when EA successfully combines quality with value, the company not only remains robust but also experiences continued growth.

EA's CFO, Stuart Canfield, added that there are currently no plans to alter their pricing strategy, reinforcing the company's stance on maintaining current game prices.

This news comes at a time when other industry giants are adjusting their prices. Just last week, Microsoft confirmed it was raising Xbox prices, impacting not just consoles and accessories, which have already seen price increases, but also hinting at a potential rise to $79.99 for new first-party games by the holiday season. This follows a trend in AAA gaming where prices have escalated from $60 to $70 over the last five years. Additionally, Nintendo has set a $80 price tag for upcoming Switch 2 exclusives like Mario Kart World and other Switch 2 Edition games, with the console itself launching at $450—a move that has sparked debate among fans, though analysts argue it's inevitable amid current economic conditions.

Given EA's firm stance, fans can anticipate that future titles such as EA Sports FC, Madden, and Battlefield will adhere to the $70 standard edition pricing.

In other EA news, last week, IGN reported that EA cut around 100 jobs at Apex Legends developer Respawn Entertainment, with broader layoffs affecting approximately 300 individuals across the organization.