Games are too expensive (but Skyrim isn't

Games are too expensive and the industry would benefit from lower price points, reckons Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim director Todd Howard. Speaking in the latest issue of PSM3, the Bethesda designer argues that $60 is "a lot of money for entertainment" - but insists that Skyrim is one title that's truly giving gamers their quid's worth."I've thought for a long time that games are too expensive," he said, adding that "I don't put us in that category of course - for what we give you, for sixty bucks or however many 'quid' it is. "That's a lot of money for entertainment, so I think the good news is that in certain markets - PC, iPhone, mobile - we can see prices coming down."But I do think industry-wide we would benefit from more games out at $19 or $29. I would try more games. Because I'm not going to try a game for $60. It's a tough decision."That's why people read reviews and previews, because it's not only a money decision, it's a time-investment decision. It's not like going to a movie."Howard's comments echo those of Namco Bandai Partners VP Olivier Comte, who said in an interview he thinks the £40 price point is fair for developers but for the consumer it is simply too much."From September to December there are three new blockbusters every week, and consumers just can't afford to buy all that," he said. "I feel all the big video game companies need to join together in a worldwide summit to discuss the future of our industry. I think we have to pull our thoughts together."Buy the new look PSM3 online and have it delivered to your door. Andy Robinson