EA Defies Trend: No Plans to Raise Video Game Prices

In a move that will surely be welcomed by gamers everywhere, EA has firmly stated it will not be following the trend of raising game prices, even as giants like Microsoft and Nintendo adjust their pricing to $80. During a recent financial call with investors, CEO Andrew Wilson emphasized the company's commitment to providing "incredible quality and exponential value for our playerbase." This dedication to value is evident in the success of their latest co-op adventure, Split Fiction, which has impressively sold 4 million copies.

Wilson elaborated on the evolution of EA's business model over the past decade, highlighting the shift from primarily selling physical copies to a more diverse pricing strategy that includes everything from free-to-play models to deluxe editions. "In a world where everything we did 10 years ago was about selling shiny discs in plastic boxes on retail shelves — well, that’s still a part of our business, but a significantly smaller part," he noted. He further explained that EA's goal is to ensure that, regardless of the price point—be it a dollar, ten dollars, or a hundred dollars—the focus remains on delivering exceptional quality and value.

CFO Stuart Canfield reinforced this stance, stating, "From a guidance perspective [...] we have reflected no changes in our current [pricing] strategy at this point." This decision comes at a time when Microsoft confirmed it was raising Xbox prices, including increases for controllers, headsets, and some games, with new, first-party titles expected to cost $79.99 around the holiday season.

The trend of rising prices in the AAA gaming industry has been noticeable, with prices jumping from $60 to $70 over the last five years. Nintendo has also announced a $80 price tag for upcoming Switch 2 exclusives like Mario Kart World and other Switch 2 Edition games, with the Switch 2 itself set to launch at $450—a move that has stirred debate among fans and analysts alike, who see such pricing as inevitable amid current economic conditions.

Given EA's firm stance, fans can expect the next iterations of EA Sports FC, Madden, and Battlefield to maintain the $70 standard edition pricing. This news comes on the heels of reports that EA cut around 100 jobs at Apex Legend developer Respawn Entertainment, as well as making broader cuts affecting approximately 300 individuals across the organization.