Amid Nintendo Switch 2's $80 games controversy, Baldur's Gate 3 publishing director reminds devs "you do not have to price anything according to retail norms"

News
By published

"It's a very liberating thing not having to worry about a shelf, and instead worrying about an audience you can very easily speak to"

A woman playing a switch 2 looking at a screen with her friends displayed on the bottom alongside their gameplay, it looks like Discord
(Image credit: Nintendo)

As the world continues reeling in the wake of Nintendo's shock reveal of some $80 Switch 2 games, Larian Studio's director of publishing Michael Douse is reminding developers that they don't need to price their games based on retail norms.

Douse has been outspoken about many of the major beats happening in the video game industry as of late, so it's no surprise to see he has some wisdom to share regarding Mario Kart World's $80 price tag. Over on Twitter, he reacted to Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser recently saying Nintendo will employ "variable pricing" when it comes to its software lineup.

To be clear, Nintendo has clarified that not all of its games will be $80. That said, the price point marks a significant jump from the most expensive base game, not including DLC, previously being $70. Analysts have attributed the jump to US tariffs, market chaos, rising costs in general, and other factors, with one saying bluntly, "Nintendo is charging this price because they feel they can and that people will pay."

$80 games as a new standard seems like a question of when, not if, particularly as the general cost of living continues to increase at a rapid clip. Now, when that happens is anyone's guess, but it'll likely somewhat depend on how successful Nintendo's new pricing model becomes.

I wildly underestimated the Switch 2, and after just getting a Steam Deck, I'm almost regretting it.

Jordan Gerblick
Jordan Gerblick

After earning an English degree from ASU, I worked as a corporate copy editor while freelancing for places like SFX Magazine, Screen Rant, Game Revolution, and MMORPG on the side. I got my big break here in 2019 with a freelance news gig, and I was hired on as GamesRadar's west coast Staff Writer in 2021. That means I'm responsible for managing the site's western regional executive branch, AKA my home office, and writing about whatever horror game I'm too afraid to finish.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.