Rock Band lead designer speaks on Europe pricing |
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It seems that quite a number of people have been apprehensive about the pricing of Rock Band (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii) in Europe. That's pretty understandable considering the game is currently going for US$ 169 (£ 85/ € 107) in North America but will be available in Europe for £ 180 and € 240 (around US$ 354 and US$ 379 respectively).
Harmonix design director and Rock Band lead designer Rob Kay defended the introductory price saying that while the game's cost is a bit on the pricey side, it's worth it:
The combined price, if you add all that up and decide you want that full experience, is quite high. It's not something that is normal in videogames but Rock Band isn't normal in videogames. This is an entirely new thing. What other game comes with three peripherals that are all different? It just makes sense for the experience we're trying to deliver.
As for why the price is higher than that in the U.S., Kay noted that this is due to the Value Added Tax as well as the higher price of consumer electronics in the region. He added that "these are definitely not excuses so much as contributing reasons."
Kay said that he understands that some consumers may be "a bit put off" by the price of Rock Band. He pointed out that gamers on a budget might want to consider purchasing just one instrument or a microphone separately.
Interestingly enough, Play.com has announced that it will be reducing the instrument pack cost down to £ 99 (around US$ 195 or € 123 ) and the game itself to £ 41(around US$ 81 or € 51). This puts the total package price at around US$ 204, give or take.
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Via Eurogamer
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Comments [refresh]
VAT my ass!!
Since when did the UK have VAT @ 100%?!?
It's called ROG... Ripping Off Gamers.
"The price is not normal but the game is not normal".
What a sad, sad argument. So, in Europe it's less normal than in the US so the price is 100% more?
Sorry, I can be European but I'm not stupid, I'm not buying your game even while I was planning to do so. I'm not even buying on anothing from Harmonix too while this doesn't change. But I'll remember to put a note about this on my blog, so you'll have some "free" truly european marketting.
That's more than double the price that we have to pay in America ....and I can't even reconcile spending $169.99 US on a set of plastic toys that will either sit in my corner collecting dust, or in the box between infrequent sessions. That is a steaming pile of BS that it is such an "entirely new thing". But, it's got "three peripherals that are all different"! WooHoo! (I guess that's kinda' like $100 per peripheral. Bet it wouldn't sound so good if he stated it that way: "It's got three peripherals that are all different and each cost $100, plus about $60 for the game itself!".)
How does $195 + $81 equal $204?
... well said.
added E(dont know how to make that thing) 123 and $ 81.
ripoff meets ripoff
RockBand + Xbox360
-> Ripoff on the Highest Level
F*ck You
think i'll go buy a fisher price drumset instead!!
seriously though, for 180 quid, is a bit steep, as i could buy a real beginners drumkit for £300!! or go to asda (walmart, for you american folk) to buy a cheap guitar and amp or a karoke machine £50!!
think i'll give this game a miss, as i'm sure a lot of others will as well!!