Epic: Console Makers Need to Let Developers Handle Game Pricing

In an interview with Develop Epic Games President Michael Capps says that console makers need to loosen the stranglehold they have on developers when it comes to pricing. Capps says they need to do this because game revenues have shifted to service and micro-transaction model. Currently developers can't decide what the price of their games on consoles should be because those prices are already set by the console makers.

"Right now we’re not even allowed to change the prices of virtual content," said Capps. "We’re not even allowed to set the prices. I just don’t think this protectionist approach is going to be successful in a world where the price of virtual items changes on a day-today basis."

Capps adds that mobile platforms allow developers to set their own pricing schemes and purchasing virtual goods within an app is much easier too. Finally, he notes that the only way for AA games to make a comeback is if manufacturers forget about a specific price point like $60. If they don't, he says, more developers will simply turn to the PC market - Steam, for example.

"The console manufacturers need to let this happen,” he said. "The best way of driving developers to PC is telling them they have no freedom in what prices they can set for virtual items. It would be great to have the level of freedom that, say, Steam gives you."

Source: Develop