Do computer programs/games cost too much?

I was reading an article about how people believed that Photoshop CS5 is definitely NOT worth $699 or 510 Euros. The worst part is that the even more professional or "Extended" version is almost double the price. The program itself is considered to be very innovative and definitely a professional program, but even large companies don't have enough pocket change for a program like this for every computer in their office.

I was also reminded about games while reading these. I recently bought Starcraft II, and preordered Darkspore. I don't buy many video games personally, unless I'm truly convinced that they will be worth it. I was quite shocked to see that each one cost over 50 dollars or 36 Euros. Many say that Steam, with their incredibly low prices on downloads resulted in a "3000% increase in game sales". Even years ago, when I was about 10 years old, I would still have to pay about that much for a game, including the game itself, the strategy guide, and the accessories that come with it.

What are your opinions on this?

Well thats business for you. Its all about minimum cost to make, as well as making maximum profit. so long as a company knows that A. The demand for the product is high enough and B. The price they put on it, people will be willing to pay. They will make the prices as high as they can without enraging people.

Also by putting the prices of products way higher than the actual value of the product, they can easily fool people into thinking they are getting a deal when they slash off 10% or some other discount, while in reality, they are still making a large profit on it, even with the discounted price.


Its just the nature of business, they screw you out of as much money as they can, but still, the production of games and other programs is very high, and without a large profit, they wouldn't make them in the first place, so its something that you'd just need to accept. As with all business, they are just maximizing profit.

It reminds me of something I was watching a couple months ago, how electronics stores, swindle shoppers. They have a price they start with, lets say a TV for $2000, and then slowly over the months they increase the price, to maybe $2200. Then they have a MASSIVE discount sale! Save 10% off tv's!! Save $200!! and drop it back down to the TV's original cost of $2000..

Any way to trick people

I believe businesses get a discount when buying those programs with more than 5 licenses, and if they work with the developers closely enough, they might even get them thrown at for nothing.

And don't forget, devs need computers and office space too and they won't pay for themselves.

Microsoft and other companies give out Charity Licences as well. I volunteer at the Salvation Army and they have licences for something like 15 copies of Microsoft Office and they didn't pay for any.

Of course, Video games are different in this.

And yes, Andy, Business can discounts for multiple licences, they even negotiate mutual agreements some of them.

I think 35 euros isn't that bad. Spore costed 50.

Remi said it all. Companies will ALWAYS try to get the most money possible out of you. Regarding the prices of the product, they must match the expenses of production and such - PLUS profit, in order for the companies to make money.

And if people keep buying stuff at those prices, they have no reason to lower it.

My opinion is: If you want and actually CAN buy a game, buy it. But remember: it's entertainment and, while it's important to keep yourself "happy", there are other priorities (food, health, education) that must be considered first.

Much agreement ark, if you can afford it and you want it, buy it. and I also agree with what andy and vek said. Most businesses can get them cheaper, as with product, if an external company starts buying in bulk off of a seller, they will normally drop the price for the company.

i buy games 2 years after release, cos im a cheapskate

flux wrote:i buy games 2 years after release, cos im a cheapskate

It's not being a cheapskate, it's being smart

I bought Pikmin 1 and Protocol years after their releases. They were really fun, and their prices were dropped by almost half.

Illusionary wrote:

flux wrote:i buy games 2 years after release, cos im a cheapskate

It's not being a cheapskate, it's being smart

I bought Pikmin 1 and Protocol years after their releases. They were really fun, and their prices were dropped by almost half.

although not exactly a game but still on that train of thought, I was in an electronics store recently. and saw they were selling xbox 360 elite with Kinect for $360 AU....... I bought my regular xbox 360 about 3 years ago. Just the regular xbox 360, nothing extra....$500 AU So Flux it pays to wait. Longer you wait, the more you get for less.

I know what you mean. Last year, I got the 360 elite with a 120GB HD for CHF 300 at a reduced price. They are now selling the new 360 with a 250GB HD and wireless internet for the same price.

This reminds me, I need to replace my HDMI cable...

Andeavor wrote:I know what you mean. Last year, I got the 360 elite with a 120GB HD for CHF 300 at a reduced price. They are now selling the new 360 with a 250GB HD and wireless internet for the same price.

This reminds me, I need to replace my HDMI cable...

Ouch.... still better than me though. I think the lame hardrive that came with my xbox is 20GB. Basically fully now and had to delete all the music I had on it. which sucked because that was my Oblivion roaming music . I need to get another hard drive for it. Urgl.

You can connect your console to access your music on the computer via the internet.