This generation of games has seen the average price for a title rise to $59.99, so when a game looks to possibly be released at a price point lower than that, we take notice. Over at Gamestop's website, Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise and Banjo Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts are both currently listed at the price of $39.99. Now while this could just be a simple error (Amazon has them both at $59.99), we'd like to hope that there's more going on ...
The rest of this is only speculation, but there are a few connections between the two games. They're both from Rare and so they're both Microsoft first party games. Now it could just be wishful thinking, but we'd like to hope that Microsoft might be willing taking a bit of a profit hit on these two to get them to be must-buys for a larger audience of gamers (read: kids).
The rest of this is only speculation, but there are a few connections between the two games. They're both from Rare and so they're both Microsoft first party games. Now it could just be wishful thinking, but we'd like to hope that Microsoft might be willing taking a bit of a profit hit on these two to get them to be must-buys for a larger audience of gamers (read: kids).
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
7-03-2008 @ 3:33AM
Dwag said...
Surprised anyone was online now but hey this is good those Casual gamers get cheap games and can play em in Hi Def.
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7-03-2008 @ 10:05AM
D dogg said...
Why are you simply passing these off as "casual games"? Because your plugged directly into gaming itself or maybe because MS is trying to pawn these off as casual games!?
Keep in mind Banjo made its mark on gamers (not the casual type) on N64 (do you think the N64 was a casual games machine because I sure don't).
I'll be picking both up and ironically I bet THIS "casual gamer" will spank you at Gears of War (because you know, casual gamers play that) or even Command and Conquer 3 (because you know, casual gamers play that too).
7-03-2008 @ 10:20AM
007craft said...
Those are good prices for these games. Keep in mind that us gamers who fell in love with BK, are entirely aware that this new one is VERY different from the other games. Its basically a different game altogether but using characters from the banjo universe. Something thats not to appealing, even if the style of game is fun.
And us fans of VP1 know that Viva pinata was a fun game, but had its limitations. Theres no way I would be purchasing the second one for $59.99. $39.99 seems like the right price point for these games. I might bpick up banjo at this price if it has comedy and lasting value and ill probably wait for another $20 drop before I buy VP2 (If I recall, VP1 was elling for $9.99 just 4 months after it was released)
7-03-2008 @ 4:11AM
john paul said...
News literally 24/7 from X3F!
Do you
live on the west
coast Terrence?
Wow
Banjo for 40 dollars would be incredible, i miss those days.
Reply
7-03-2008 @ 4:19AM
TWODOGSz said...
Shane Kim was asked back around GDC about lower pricing of more casual titles and whilst he didn't confirm anything he very much left it on the table.
Hopefully this is what he was hinting at. Banjo and Viva Pinata deserve all the love they can get and if this helps spread the love, then I'm all for it. :)
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7-03-2008 @ 5:10AM
Parsnipzilla said...
Is it just me or does the Viva Pinata boxart SCREAM Animal Crossing Wild World?
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7-03-2008 @ 5:45AM
Boff said...
Cheaper games are ALWAYS welcome, whether they're targeted to the casual or hardcore gamer.
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7-03-2008 @ 6:09AM
Chase said...
I agree. Odd, I know. ;]
7-03-2008 @ 5:46AM
Boff said...
One more thing, I really hope this helps sales of VP2. The first one deserved to do much better. Gaming crack indeed!
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7-03-2008 @ 10:27AM
Vcize said...
Why do people have this idea that VP1 sold poorly? The game has sold 2 million copies. That's more than Mass Effect I believe.
7-03-2008 @ 6:07AM
Chase said...
I assume this is to increase the likelihood of a purchase from the intended audience.
I'm already interested in Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise, and this just makes the possibility of me buying it even greater.
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7-03-2008 @ 6:21AM
DJcube said...
They also both seem to have a slightly different box design to the other 360 games.
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7-03-2008 @ 6:27AM
Lewis (GT: StoneRevolver) said...
Terrence is fuckin Batman, I swear.
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7-03-2008 @ 6:53AM
markdell90 said...
To Dwag, if they're the cheap gamer, how would they afford an HD TV? Haha just saying.
Back to the game; there was talk that Gamestop just has a lowered listed price listed so they get more preorders, then towards the release, they'll jack the price up, and there wouldn't be any use to back out of the preorder since they would be the same price everywhere.
It's a logical theory, who know's if it's true.
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7-03-2008 @ 7:25AM
webster1990 said...
I'm buying these games anyway, but if they are going to be cheaper i'd welcome it, i hope somewhere in the UK has a similar offer.
p.s. I really like the VP: Trouble in Paridise box art
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7-03-2008 @ 8:15AM
Jim Halpert DM said...
I remember when the 360 was launched it was said that all first party titles would remain priced at $49.99.....look how long that lasted.
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7-03-2008 @ 8:31AM
skin.bintin said...
Games range from $90 for MS First party games right up to $130 for games from the likes of EA and Activision here in New Zealand, yet the first Viva Pinata game release here for $70 which was great as it touches on a different audience that the usual price point is just too much for.
It would the a wise move to go through with the lower price point.
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7-03-2008 @ 8:52AM
Xevious said...
Let's hope this trend continues!!
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7-03-2008 @ 9:13AM
Gemini Ace said...
Remember when the 360 was first announced and we heard of the higher price point? MS said that their first party games would stay at $49.99.
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7-03-2008 @ 9:41AM
Jim Halpert DM said...
Read my comment at 13 copycat...lol