You Can’t Afford A Game For $80? Then You’re Not A Real Fan

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Video game prices appear to be climbing, with Nintendo, Microsoft, and now Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford fueling discussions. This isn’t just a concern for gamers; it’s a topic of interest among other developers as well.

Please – Don’t Make It Even More Expensive

On multiple occasions, we’ve discussed the rising prices of video games. Initially, gamers were displeased with Nintendo’s perceived consumer unfriendly tactics to such an extent that they advocated for a boycott. Later, Microsoft joined in with the new versions of Forza and Call Of Duty. Now, there is growing apprehension among fans regarding Borderlands 4, set to be released in September. This highly anticipated multiplayer loot shooter has garnered immense popularity with games like Borderlands 2 and 3, and fans are eagerly awaiting its release. However, what they are seeking is transparency on the pricing – they have directly reached out to Gearbox’s CEO, Randy Pitchford, for clarification.

No $80? Not A Fan

As a passionate gamer, I’m expressing my worry about the potential high price tag for the latest Borderlands game. I thought it would be beneficial to reach out to the Gearbox team personally and discuss this concern.

Randy, this game better not be 80 dollars. Don’t take that risk, a lot of gamers aren’t gonna pay 80 dollars and feed this notion of constant increase of the price tag.

The statement makes sense, given the frequent complaints from gamers about their inability to buy new games due to financial constraints. One might assume that Pitchford, like a past Sony president who acknowledges the impact of inflation, would respond with empathy. However, his response has left many bewildered instead.

A) Not my call. B) If you’re a real fan, you’ll find a way to make it happen. My local game store had Starflight for Sega Genesis for $80 in 1991 when I was just out of high school working minimum wage at an ice cream parlor in Pismo Beach and I found a way to make it happen.

As the CEO, I would advise caution about setting the game’s price at $80. It might not be advisable to take that risk as many gamers may find it difficult to afford such a high price. This could perpetuate the idea of continual increases in pricing, which is something we should avoid.

— y J. er, ‘The Treasured Treacher’ (@oldgoldsot) May 13, 2025

In 2025, I can’t help but find your words hard to swallow, it’s just not making sense to me. And while some users seem to back this high pricing and even argue for higher costs, there was one user who was absolutely livid about it.

Larian Studios Has Joined The Chat

Michael Douse, the Publishing Director at Larian Studios, which is known for creating games such as Baldur’s Gate 3, expresses strong disapproval towards a certain statement he finds distasteful, referring to it as “offensive.

Inflation exists (we give inflation bumps for example to employees) and price increases can make sense, but saying “real fans will find a way” is gross because it assumes your game is more important during a cost of living crisis than, for example, making it day to day.

Expressing ideas in a simpler and conversational manner: Inflation occurs (we sometimes raise wages too), and price hikes may be justified, but the phrase “true fans will manage” comes off as insensitive because it implies that your game is prioritized over basic necessities during economic hardships like a cost of living crisis.

— Very AFK (@Cromwelp) May 20, 2025

Some individuals respond to him amicably, suggesting that it’s incorrect to prioritize one option over another. However, Douse also expresses his views on this matter quite explicitly.

Luxuries are in competition with day to day expenses.

How Important Is Entertainment?

It’s not an overstatement. Today, video games do indeed cost more to produce, but the financial landscape has significantly changed since 1991. It’s no surprise that entertainment, whether films, series, or video games, holds a significant place in our society. Therefore, it’s understandable that people are concerned about escalating prices and hesitant to spend such amounts on a game, particularly when the company responsible for it doesn’t treat its fans with respect. Michael Douse, however, shed light on what true fans truly represent:

Real fans are people who love & understand what you do, keep track, and engage with your s*** regardless of how much they spend.

That is a statement you can stand for.

How do you feel about it? Does the prospect of Borderlands 4 potentially being released make you hesitant to purchase, or are you of the opinion that video games should cost more in general?

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2025-05-23 22:10