Lately, I can’t shake the feeling that being a gamer in 2024 isn’t the best. It all started with Sony stirring up controversy over Helldivers 2, then restricting games in certain regions. Now, it looks like Team Green is jumping into the chaos too.
A vigilant Redditor recently noticed that Xbox Games Studios has quietly hiked prices for several of its titles on Steam. More than eight games from the studio have been impacted, including Sea of Thieves, Gears 5, Halo Wars, and others.
Refusal to Implement Regional Pricing?
Sea of Thieves, typically priced at Rs. 1399 in India, has skyrocketed to Rs. 3,499! Likewise, Gears 5 has undergone a similar surge, leaping from Rs. 899 to a staggering Rs. 2699. That’s an alarming increase of 150% and 200% respectively! Gamers in various countries are facing comparable hikes, with prices soaring unjustifiably across the board.
As outlined earlier, this affects numerous regions such as India, the Philippines, Mexico, South Africa, and beyond. What’s intriguing is that this price adjustment occurred across all these countries without prior notification. This abrupt shift has understandably left gamers like myself in disbelief, prompting us to wonder: Does Xbox even prioritize regional pricing?
It’s no surprise that this situation has sparked frustration among many. Reddit became a platform for people to express their discontent. Numerous individuals are labeling Xbox’s decision as absurd, fueled by greed. Some even highlighted the disparity, noting that games like Hellblade 2 are priced higher in India compared to the U.S.
A Mercenary Pursuit of Wealth
Xbox’s insatiable quest for profit appears boundless. Following the closure of several Bethesda studios, the company has now turned its focus to its loyal consumers. If the loss of Tango Gameworks wasn’t distressing enough, now gamers like myself are faced with exorbitant prices just to enjoy a five-year-old game.
Adding salt to the wound, there are murmurs circulating that Xbox could potentially raise prices for the Xbox Game Pass and introduce a new tier. While it’s speculative, there’s a possibility these rumors and price adjustments could be intertwined. However, it’s best to approach this theory cautiously.
You either exit as a hero or transform into Ex-Box.
Navigating through the chaotic mess that Xbox has become, I can’t shake off the resemblance to the Snake game. For the uninitiated, this classic game revolves around a snake devouring everything in its path, growing bigger until it ultimately consumes itself.
As a company that’s been a part of my journey, it’s disheartening to witness Xbox’s current state. While I could draw parallels to countless movie lines about entities turning into what they once opposed, let’s face it: Xbox didn’t meet its end as a hero, did it?
But we know what’s on the horizon. If there’s any solace in this predicament, it’s that I can finally tackle my backlog. Because, frankly, I can’t afford any new games.
What are your thoughts on this covert price hike? We are ready to be your best friends. Lie on our shoulder and cry out your frustration in the comment box underneath.
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