It turns out that raising the price ofNBA 2K21for next generation consoles is no problem for Take-Two. The company’s CEO, Strauss Zelnick, described in a recent investor’s call that charging $70 forNBA 2K21is the right idea.
Over the past few decades, prices for the majority of console games have risen. Typically the change occurs around the switch to a new generation of devices, and this current rise is no different. Even before the official launch of PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S,some were defending the price increase. While controversial, it sounds like the decision had little effect on sales according to Take-Two.
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When the question of whether it is the right strategy to up the price by $10, Zelnick thinks so. Apparently the release ofNBA 2K21worked out as expected for a game of that caliber. Take-Two claims the game is a premium offering as it offersgraphics and gameplay built for next generationconsoles. Even with any negative reception about price jumps, Take-Two is not feeling it for the basketball series. According to Zelnik, the adoption rate by customers since launch is extraordinary.
Though, while the price change has no drawbacks for Take-Two, the company is unsure whether it will apply to other games. Zelnick does not have a definitive answer about the future of other titles. The CEO suggests that a response in this regard will be too premature, and that it could be a decision made title-to-title.
This success of this decision is likely being felt by other major game publishers as well. Big name games likeCall of Duty: Black Ops Cold WarandDemon’s Soulsall hit shelves with a price of $70. It seems like regardless of genre or content, the price change could become the norm for the current generation. It will probably be surprising to some that acceptance of the higher price is so positive,. That said, titles likeNBA 2k21andDemon’s Soulshave few competitors in the market, so the high sales are not shocking.
This could be a potentially bad sign for those hoping for prices to maintain the $60 point. With the price hike not effecting sales, it is unlikely that games will ever go back to the original price point of last generation consoles. However it is still very difficult to acquire a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series console,and stock shortages will continue. Therefore, many gamers will not be paying the high price for the next generation versions. Only time will tell if the majority of games reach $70, or if it truly ends up being case by case.
NBA 2K21is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
