Gaming
As Xbox increases prices, PS5 games are likely to stay at $70
Given Microsoft’s recent announcement to raise the price of its own exclusives, there is no longer any chance that Sony will feel under pressure to lower the price of its first-party releases. Even though the dynamics aren’t exactly comparable—Xbox owners will mention Game Pass as a substitute, less expensive way to play the Redmond company’s creations at launch—it appears that $70 releases are here to stay. The majority of independent publishers, like EA, Ubisoft, and 2K Games, have also embraced the label.
Microsoft representatives cited “the content, scale, and technical complexity” of their games as the cause of the rise. The majority of new games sold for $60 during the PS3 and PS4 era, so this represents an overall increase of $10. There’s no denying that games today cost more to produce than they did in 2006, even though we’re hesitant to defend titan publishers who are posting record profits.
Although it’s important to note that this change could have potentially happened earlier had the manufacturer actually deployed any tentpole titles in 2022, Xbox’s pricing adjustments will occur when it rolls out new releases in 2023. Nintendo is still the only platform owner who hasn’t jumped on the $70 bandwagon, but we’d be surprised if games for the Switch’s successor didn’t charge more as well.
New World Interactive, the developer of the Insurgency series of tactical first-person shooters, has laid off an unknown number of employees as part of Embracer Group’s comprehensive restructuring plan.
Saber Interactive, which acquired New World in 2020, told Eurogamer that the studio had not closed. However, it confirmed an unknown number of layoffs.
Embracer says it is “actively working to fill existing open roles” with impacted employees and will provide severance packages. “Saber also assures that development will continue on Insurgency: Sandstorm, as well as on unannounced future projects,” it said.
Over 900 employees were laid off in an “agonizing” but “necessary” process. As always, we hope all victims recover.
Sony wants non-console owners to access its content beyond its PlayStation-walled garden. This strategy has been slowly implemented: the company has commissioned TV and movie adaptations of its biggest franchises, ported select software to the PC, and launched a mobile gaming division.
In an interview with Nikkei, head Hideaki Nishino explained how this strategy can boost console sales: We want to use movies and dramas to get non-gamers to try PlayStation games. Sales of The Last of Us increased during the live-action drama.
When HBO’s adaptation aired, our The Last of Us content skyrocketed, so we can understand its impact. As a PlayStation fan site, we support this strategy because we want to reach as many people as possible, so if Sony can appeal to non-console owners, that’s a win-win.
More PlayStation users is better, in our opinion.
PowerWash Simulator is one of this month’s PS Plus Essentials, but before you start scrubbing, check out the PS Store. The game has been well supported on PS5 and PS4 with free DLC packs based on Square Enix titles since its release at the start of the year.
Free Final Fantasy VII and Tomb Raider expansions let you clean Croft Manor and Seventh Heaven. The free DLC packs add 10 levels, and the paid ones add more.
Two more Back to the Future and SpongeBob SquarePants expansions cost £6.49 or $7.99 each. You can then scrub the Bikini Bottom and the DeLorean.
The Midgar Special Pack for PowerWash Simulator was another reason to use the cleaning kit. “It doesn’t add much, but getting close to FF7’s props and environments is fun. It offers a fresh take on the beloved title that will please both sides of this collaboration.”
Have you tried the latest PS Plus Essential game?
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