EA Defies Trend: No Plans to Raise Video Game Prices

In a recent financial call, EA has made it clear that it will not be following the trend set by Microsoft and Nintendo of increasing game prices to $80. CEO Andrew Wilson emphasized the company's commitment to providing "incredible quality and exponential value" to its player base, citing the success of their co-op adventure game Split Fiction, which has sold an impressive 4 million copies.

Wilson highlighted how the gaming industry has evolved over the past decade, moving away from primarily selling physical copies to a broader spectrum that includes free-to-play models and deluxe editions. "In a world where everything we did 10 years ago was about selling shiny discs in plastic boxes on retail shelves — well, that’s still a *part* of our business, but it’s a significantly smaller part," Wilson stated. He further elaborated that EA's strategy focuses on delivering value across various price points, from $1 to $100, ensuring that quality and value are at the forefront of their offerings.

CFO Stuart Canfield reinforced this stance, noting that EA's current pricing strategy remains unchanged. This decision will likely be welcomed by gamers, especially in light of recent moves by competitors. Just last week, Microsoft confirmed it was raising Xbox prices, affecting consoles, accessories, and some games. While game prices will stay the same for now, Xbox plans to charge $79.99 for new, first-party games around the holiday season.

This comes amidst a broader trend in AAA gaming, where prices have jumped from $60 to $70 in recent years, and Nintendo announced $80 pricing for some upcoming Switch 2 exclusives like Mario Kart World and other Switch 2 Edition games. The Switch 2 itself is set to launch at $450, a move that has drawn criticism from fans but is considered inevitable amid current economic conditions by analysts.

Given EA's comments, fans can anticipate that upcoming titles like EA Sports FC, Madden, and Battlefield will maintain the $70 standard edition pricing. This comes at a time when EA has faced challenges, including layoffs at Apex Legends developer Respawn Entertainment and broader cuts affecting around 300 individuals across the organization.