Why Are Downloadable Games So Expensive??

Simple. PSN rarely readjust its prices after release except during sale events.

I just picked up GTA Chinatown Wars for 15 dollars (sale this week), pretty good deal imo. Persona 3 Portable is also 5 dollars cheaper than retail. It's not all overpriced, just that retail price drops much faster in the same amount of time.

I was considering replacing some of my UMD titles with downloadable versions, to increase the load times and put an end to the disc spinning, etc. But then I check and I was somewhat amazed to see how expensive downloads are vs. UMD. Some games are around the same, say Lego Indiana Jones, which is 20 to download and between 15 and 20 in stores. But some games are ridiculously expensive. $39.99 for Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines?" What the huh? It's $17.99 at Amazon. And even at a retail store, it's maybe 20 to 22 bucks. Why is it TWICE the cost to download? Shouldn't it cost LESS, since it removes the need for physical packaging and shipping? Is there anyone out there (who doesn't have a PSP Go) who would actually agree to pay 40 bucks for a game you can never sell or trade, when you can have the exacts game for half the price (and sell it when you're done)? I really don't understand the reasoning behind downloading. Can anyone explain how this makes sense?vanchockstraw

PSP Go purchasers are a captive audience, son. Of course they'll charge what they see fit to charge. Why shouldn't they? If you bought a Go, you have no choice but to pay or sit and moan.

It would kind of suck to have to pay as much or more for a download when for years you've heard companies say that one of the reasons games cost so much is the packaging, shipping, materials..So when they get there chance to put there money were their mouths are they actually charge more... Which speaks volumes about why the Go didn't "go" anywhere.

Euhm, there's a very simple reason for that. You're buying it firsthand from Sony. Sony doesn't need to clear a stock, pay for handling fees, go into competition with other stores for its product (I said store, not company), etc. They are their own market when it comes to DD and that makes them a monopoly. But even with an actual product, the firsthand seller will rarely drop its prices as he's the main branch and a sure shot for the product. There's no comparing Amazon to Sony, as both handle different purchase policies. You'll see a decline in product cost at some point sure, but that will always be well after enough units have been sold and the main profit margin has been achieved.Daavpuke

I don't think are are very expensive.

I work for GAMEretail. take thisfor example,

modnation racers @ GAME £24.99 and the PSN store £16.99

Ratchet and Clank @ GAME £14.99 and the PSN store £6.99

Little Big Planet @ Game £19.99 and the PSN store £14.99

Ok not all games are cheap on the PSN store like metal gear £16.99 @ GAME and £31.99 on the PSN store :(

There are bargains to be found on the PSN store ALWAYS.

[QUOTE="vanchockstraw"]I was considering replacing some of my UMD titles with downloadable versions, to increase the load times and put an end to the disc spinning, etc. But then I check and I was somewhat amazed to see how expensive downloads are vs. UMD. Some games are around the same, say Lego Indiana Jones, which is 20 to download and between 15 and 20 in stores. But some games are ridiculously expensive. $39.99 for Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines?" What the huh? It's $17.99 at Amazon. And even at a retail store, it's maybe 20 to 22 bucks. Why is it TWICE the cost to download? Shouldn't it cost LESS, since it removes the need for physical packaging and shipping? Is there anyone out there (who doesn't have a PSP Go) who would actually agree to pay 40 bucks for a game you can never sell or trade, when you can have the exacts game for half the price (and sell it when you're done)? I really don't understand the reasoning behind downloading. Can anyone explain how this makes sense?Coolyfett

[QUOTE="Daavpuke"]Euhm, there's a very simple reason for that. You're buying it firsthand from Sony. Sony doesn't need to clear a stock, pay for handling fees, go into competition with other stores for its product (I said store, not company), etc. They are their own market when it comes to DD and that makes them a monopoly. But even with an actual product, the firsthand seller will rarely drop its prices as he's the main branch and a sure shot for the product. There's no comparing Amazon to Sony, as both handle different purchase policies. You'll see a decline in product cost at some point sure, but that will always be well after enough units have been sold and the main profit margin has been achieved.PSP107

[QUOTE="PSP107"][QUOTE="Daavpuke"]Euhm, there's a very simple reason for that. You're buying it firsthand from Sony. Sony doesn't need to clear a stock, pay for handling fees, go into competition with other stores for its product (I said store, not company), etc. They are their own market when it comes to DD and that makes them a monopoly. But even with an actual product, the firsthand seller will rarely drop its prices as he's the main branch and a sure shot for the product. There's no comparing Amazon to Sony, as both handle different purchase policies. You'll see a decline in product cost at some point sure, but that will always be well after enough units have been sold and the main profit margin has been achieved.Daavpuke

Word.

.Daavpuke

Flippin' GREAT, Man!!! Very funny stuff! Thanks, I needed that!

:lol::lol::lol::lol:

.Daavpuke

[QUOTE="Daavpuke"].XXI_World

I dont think that are expensive I think they take up a lot of space on your memory stick

I dont think that are expensive I think they take up a lot of space on your memory stick

afrodudeman123

[QUOTE="afrodudeman123"]

I dont think that are expensive I think they take up a lot of space on your memory stick

XXI_World