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Is Record Of Agarest War A Litmus PSN Pricing Test?

The game itself isn't necessarily big news; the fact that it's only available on the PlayStation Network with a lofty price tag…well, that could be an interesting little test.

Okay, first- the Xbox 360 version of Record of Agarest War , the very revealing and awfully titillating RPG, has already shipped to retailers. It's a regular physical disc, obviously. However, PS3 owners will only have the option of downloading the game on the PSN; there will be no Blu-Ray disc available at the stores. But because it's a full-production game, the price will be $44.99, which is actually $15 less than the $60 360 version, so that's a bonus. But we've noticed that people tend to set their own limits on PSN spending and it may not matter that Record of Agarest War is a full game. Thing is, we're not yet to the point where all games have to be purchased digitally; when gamers have a choice in the matter, and they have to pay out a significant chunk of change, are they more likely to simply get the physical media? And if there is no option for a disc and box, will they simply shrug their shoulders and go, "eh, it's the same thing"? There's very little on the PSN that even comes close to this price tag so, full game or not, it's going to appear a little out of place and some are gonna be confused.

So is the lack of an actual disc enough to make you download the game? It may appear high for the PSN but clearly, it's actually cheaper than the competition. The question is whether people would rather have something physical and tangible when it comes to higher prices.

Related Game(s): Record of Agarest War

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daizycutter
daizycutter
14 years ago

interesting article, i was mulling this over the other nite for the game section 8 the psn wanted £20 to download it ..and it felt just alittle too much for sum reason ..i need a physical item for that ..under £10 no prob

TheHighlander
TheHighlander
14 years ago

Warhawk, Wipout HD/Fury, Burnout Paradise, all PSP full games for download. These all cost $19.99, $29.99, or more. You won't pay for any of these because they're more than $10?

I'd have used the pound sign, but my wonderful keyboard only gives me this '#'. But I think you will understand the point.

Alienange
Alienange
14 years ago

Maybe he knows that choosing digital copies of Warhawk or Burnout Paradise on PSN over getting the physical copy for the exact same price is a huge mistake.

tes37
tes37
14 years ago

I bought Burnout Paradise off of psn. I wasn't reading any game sites or magazines at the time and didn't know it was available on disc. I now have the game on my system and my daughters' for one price. I like that.

I have about 90 games for the ps3. Half of them are disc and if my collection can remain about half and half I won't have much of a problem.

BlinkBoy
BlinkBoy
14 years ago

We got this game on Blu ray in Europe some months ago, and i heard that U.S would get it only digital version. Weird right.

This being an decent SRPG, I have considered a purchase soon.


Last edited by BlinkBoy on 4/28/2010 10:55:01 AM

oldmike
oldmike
14 years ago

I think its a test on many levels.
Will we buy 10gb+ downloads
on a game that can't be sold used.
What if the game is not for you.
There is no resale so your out $45
Also that's a lot of GB to download
It will take a day or so to download

I keep every game that i like
On slow weeks i go back and play one
With this it takes up 10GB of space
On my year one PS3 i don't have room

PS For this price i can get 3D dot.

PPS Bet you need to be online to play this


Last edited by oldmike on 4/28/2010 11:00:20 AM

TheHighlander
TheHighlander
14 years ago

$50-$75 will get you a decent sized HDD upgrade for your PS3. It's a simple upgrade to perform. Sony has instructions on their website on how to do it, it doesn't void any warranty protection, and it makes buying downloadable content viable. Not to mention you don't have to constantly shuffle game install data.

You'll need to be able to backup your existing drive first of course….

MysteriousMagus
MysteriousMagus
14 years ago

Hopefully they shouldn't even think about doing this on Australia… We have the worst internet I ever seen with bandwidth caps. Even if i was able to download 10gbs…
I only get 25 gb of allowance a month…

I don't think that at this point you can sell anything all downloadable content with that massive size in this country…

Hopefully we will get optic fibers in about 5 years… >__>

So what is this game about anyways?

Jawknee
Jawknee
14 years ago

Nope. Won't pay that much for data. Sony and or the dev can put limits on psn data, no limits with a disc. I won't spend more then 15 bucks on digital anything. Any more seems like a rip off. Especially if devs start doing what Crapcom did with the psn version of Final Fight.


Last edited by Jawknee on 4/28/2010 11:24:51 AM

maxpontiac
maxpontiac
14 years ago

I held off from buying this until I found out everything.

Glad I did.

TheHighlander
TheHighlander
14 years ago

Warhawk.

Dude, I think you're being both short sighted and contradictory here. Games like Burnout Paradise and Warhawk have already sold on PSN for relatively full prices. WipeoutHD is another example. The full game downloads for PSP titles are yet another example.

I have not problem with this. If the game is worth a full $60 at retail and I can get a diskless version for $15 less, sign me up.

Jawknee
Jawknee
14 years ago

I never said they wouldn't sell i just said i wouldn't buy them. I'm sure people buy PSP games on PSN too, its still a rip off. If i buy the game and don't like it (which happens) i can't resell it. I recently bought MW1 on Steam out of curiosity as i heard i was a better online experience for $14.99.. Big mistake..the game is crap and now i can't get my money back. My fault yes, but it would be nice to be able to take the game some where on a trade even if i only get half of what i paid for it its still something.

TheHighlander
TheHighlander
14 years ago

That's why demos and reviews are important. I understand your point, however for game publishers the only way to reduce prices for all is to reduce lost sales. If a game that would otherwise be $60 can be sold at $45 because there is little to no danger of sales lost to 'used game' retailing or trading, then I'm all for it.

Jawknee
Jawknee
14 years ago

Understandable but with digital formats we lose options as a consumer and ownership rights. I you and i just the opposite. I on the other hand wouldn't mind forking out the extra $15 just to get a hard copy. Knowing i have control over what happens to that game is apart of the consumers purchasing power. Its starting to get annoying carrying my whole PS3 over to a friends house even though he has one just because certain digital games or installs are tired to my PS3 instead of just being able to bring my game.

Also with this push for DRM by Capcom on PSN games, this makes me even less likely to buy digital games. What if i lose internet or its down and i want to play the game i paid Capcom for? i can't unless I'm signed into PSN. That to me seems like they are trying to sell you something without actually letting you own it. Going digital seems to have more benefits for the dev and less for their customers. It gives them an unfair advantage and i find that troublesome.

TheHighlander
TheHighlander
14 years ago

Yes and now. I don't like DRM either. So I think CrapCom's new DRM approach sucks. If I buy the game and install it on my PS3 then all the users of my PS3 should be able to use it, whether I am online or not.

That said, you do have to understand the reason. People are buying the game one time and abusing the multiple activations available by sharing the purchased game with others. Developers and publishers would not attempt to defend their rights if consumers didn't trample all over them. It's the bad apples that are spoiling the situation here.

Jackyl
Jackyl
14 years ago

Interesting test. I can imagine that maybe some who might be interested in its racier content might appreciate not having to face some Gamestop sales associate to purchase it.

Sure there is online ordering but then there is possible shipping fees and waiting for the game to arrive.

rell
rell
14 years ago

10gigs is alot and waiting for it to download will be long. I hope this game dont have a code that block u from redownloading on another system.

Mamills
Mamills
14 years ago

same, i wont pay that much either.
but then again I really have no interest nor do i even know anything about this game.
so i think that even if this is a test they are not using the right game.

i mean cmon im still pissed off, y does 360 have Episodes from liberty city cheaper than psn?

not only that
but if im handing out 50 bux, i better have a case with some pretty artwork on it.

i dunno id say test it on a game that a lot of people would actually want

WolfCrimson
WolfCrimson
14 years ago

The bigger problem is the download, not the price. I remember reading that it's the largest PSN downloadable object to date, around 8 GB or something. That's just too much.

BTNwarrior
BTNwarrior
14 years ago

Shame, I was really hoping I could pick this one up for $30

maxpontiac
maxpontiac
14 years ago

The digital age is sure trying to start up.

No thanks.

kraygen
kraygen
14 years ago

Yeah, I don't see this going over very well. Paying for something there is no hope of recouping any funds if you're unsatisfied is incredibly risky purchasing. To do so for something this expensive is way more than I would ever consider.

I like rpgs, but I have played some bad ones and I'm not willing to risk it. I want my box and manual please.

FullmetalX10
FullmetalX10
14 years ago

Definitely not going to get this, not because of the game, but because of the digital thing.
I don't like not having a hard copy of something over 10 bucks. Yeah, if you don't like it, you still lose the 45 bucks.

I say nay.

FullmetalX10
FullmetalX10
14 years ago

Ok, I just saw a couple of trailers, and I must say these people are funny as hell.
They show you gameplay, and then text: Wait, you didn't think we'd show you a trailer without any of this.
Next half of the trailer: hentai mixed with a bit of comedy 🙂
What more do you want.
A game with cool looking gameplay developed by devs who don't take themselves seriously.
All it needs is a PS3 disc-based version.

TheHighlander
TheHighlander
14 years ago

SO, what about the downloadable PSP titles, not to mention PS3 games such as Wipeout, Warhawk, and even Burnout Paradise?

I get the feeling some people are willing to cut off their own nose to spite their face.

TheHighlander
TheHighlander
14 years ago

I purchased GT for the PSP at $29.99 from PSN, best decision I've made, I don't have to carry the disc with me, and it's on both my PSPs. So why not pay $45 for a PS3 full game download?

This may be on my buy list, and the option to save $15 over a retail version definitely makes it an easier decision.

This looks like a bit of an SRPG wrapped up in visual fluff and candy. Nothing wrong with a bit of silly, pretty, whimsy in a game – is there? Might be quite refreshing after all the more 'realistic' RPGs with their surplus of brown, gray and green tones.


Last edited by TheHighlander on 4/28/2010 12:35:56 PM

rogers71
rogers71
14 years ago

Highlander, I usually agree with you on everything you post. This is one exception.

I guess my biggest complaint with this whole situation lies in what could happen once everything starts going digital. I like the lower price point but if Capcom gets their way, we could see games that are tied to the specific PS3 that it was downloaded from. Therefore, if your PS3 craps out on you the game cannot be downloaded on a new PS3, a la Singstar songs. Not to mention that for some titles that are already out, you have to be signed in to the network to play them.

What happens if I buy a bunch of games and then for some unforeseen reason I have to get rid of internet service, say to save money. Then I have a bunch of games that I cannot play because I can't sign in. Of course, there are disc based games that require you to be signed in so this is an existing issue.

Then there is the troubling ISP caps that I keep seeing hints of. When millions of PS3 owners start hitting the ISP's with 10+ gb downloads every week, they will definitely see the potential for capital gain by capping the download limits.

I don't know. I am all for change but this just doesn't sit well with me and if these games start doing well, everyone is going to jump aboard. Then we will see everyone releasing DL only games. Just my opinion.

TheHighlander
TheHighlander
14 years ago

No where in my post did I say that Crapcom's DRM ideas were good. Sony's original concept of a limited number of activations based on the system ID not the user was perfect for a PS3 in a home with kids. What parent is going to pay for a game install it and then let their darling little kids play said game on their account? I'm sure not, I don't want a bunch more DLC or other content purchased by my kids without my say so, nor would I want my game saves disturbed. CrapCom can take their DRM ideas and shove them where the sun don't shine – end of story. But does one slightly insane game company choosing to shoot itself in the foot with DRM make downloading games a bad idea? Nope. And if it will save me $15 for a full game, then I'll clear 20GB on my HDD tonight.

rogers71
rogers71
14 years ago

Highlander,
I didn't say you thought Capcom's idea was a good one. I just merely stated that I disagree with you on the idea of DL games for all the reasons that I stated. Sorry if I didn't make that point clear.

TheHighlander
TheHighlander
14 years ago

My apologies, I mis-interpreted what you were saying.

whooka
whooka
14 years ago

I pondered the exact same question when I saw the Dragon Age Origins: Awakening expansion on DVD at GS for $40, the same price as the DLC version on PSN. While I'm wondering if the DLC will run any faster (if that's possible) since it's coming right off the HD, I think if they both cost the same price I'd actually buy the retail DVD as then I actually have something with inherent value that I can sell or trade-in when I'm done playing it. DLC no such luck. DLC really oughta be cheaper then physical, retail media otherwise it leaves one wondering why games are so expensive if manufacturers keep sticking to the 'it's the bluray medium!' excuse for high prices….That may be the case but when DLC is the same price as the 'expensive bluray medium', well…..

coverton341
coverton341
14 years ago

All right, I will weigh in on this issue as I have a bit of free time to kill at work waiting on some tests to run, and I have a strong opinion about it.

Highlander brings up a good point as to games on the PSN that are full games are already close to retail price, but honestly the highest I have seen a full PS3 game is 29.99 and that figure seems perfect to me and here is why:

1) There is no physical media meaning cost savings on pressing discs, cost savings on printing manuals, cost savings on packaging, and cost savings on shipping units to stores.

2) There is, as many people are stating, no way to trade this in and get money equalling cost savings on units lost to resale by vendors.

With all of these cost savings to the developer why then are we only seeing a $15 per unit decrease in price? Maybe if the savings on digital media were $25 per unit I could get behind it more but I will probably wait for a price drop if ever one should occur.

JackC8
JackC8
14 years ago

I've got 10GB left on my hard drive. If this game will fit comfortably on there, I might get it. If not, I'm not going to be deleting a pile of games saves, a good chunk of my music collection, videos, pictures, or giving up on playing demo's in the future just to make room for it.

I was actually looking forward to this, but if they're too damned cheap to put it on a disk like they did for 360 owners, then I think they run the risk of losing a ton of potential sales from people like me.

oldmike
oldmike
14 years ago

you need 18 gig free to download it

NightHawk17
NightHawk17
14 years ago

I'd buy a game off psn for that price, but it'd have to be a game i wanted.

But i think it isnt that wise to release psn only game like this i mean its 18 gb total, some people dont have that much room on their systems and a lot of people dont have access to credit cards or psn cards so they alienate consumers.

TheHighlander
TheHighlander
14 years ago

It's a 10GB download, it needs 18GB to complete the install, but once installed it's only 9GB in size. Basically during the install the download and the install both exist until the install is complete.

Underdog15
Underdog15
14 years ago

I won't be getting it. It has nothing to do with the PSN price though. For me, the size is too big. I have the original release 60gig system, and I just don't have the room for it. Additionally, I love having a hard copy collection, but in this case, it's merely the fact that I don't have the space for it, and there's nothing I really want to delete off my system to make room for it.

Basically, no hard feelings, it just isn't practical in my case. Perhaps someday when I do get a larger gig system, I would consider it more seriously.


Last edited by Underdog15 on 4/28/2010 2:16:30 PM

Alienange
Alienange
14 years ago

You can titillate me all you want but I am certainly not giving you $45 for this lazy form of content delivery.

I say package up your game and release it in stores for $60 so I can wait six months for it to drop to $30.

just2skillf00l
just2skillf00l
14 years ago

I agree with you NightHawk. If the developers put full games like RoAW on the PSN, it will only serve to alienate consumers who don't have access to all the features the PS3 supports and possesses.

Another problem with full PS3 games on the network is download times and the maximum memory capacity of your PS3. No one wants to download an 8-10 gig game because it will take at least a few hours even for the most promising network connections.

Also, people have music, videos, and photos stored on their ps3 (not to mention saved games as well as some game installs which can be very large for some titles) that already utilize a large portion of their PS3's maximum memory storage capacity.

However, I agree with Highlander about the pricing of these downloadable titles. If these titles are cut in price by $15-$20 without TAX, don't forget about that, isn't it worth paying for the DLG (downloadable game)? I mean in a sense, we are losing something tangible with DLG but we are also gaining an upper hand as to the amount we are dishing out for DLG titles as well. The question is, which is more important to you? A lower price tag, or maintaining tangible media?

BikerSaint
BikerSaint
14 years ago

Which is more important to you?

Me?
Definitely maintaining tangible media

Underdog15
Underdog15
14 years ago

Here's a question…

How would specialty stores like EB Games/Gamestop react to a push for primarily digital only purchases in future generations? Could we not potentially see some messy legal push-back?

LightShow
LightShow
14 years ago

nothing that they could do legally, but they could provide a pretty big opposing force to keep the status quo.

in the event it goes downoload only, i imagine they'll refocus to selling peripherals and voucher cards on top of the systems they already sell.

TheHighlander
TheHighlander
14 years ago

Well, let's see. If GameStop approached Sony and said, "Hey Sony, we've noted that your download business is doing great, but not everyone has access to broadband, and not everyone has fast broadband. How about we get together to offer a service where PSN content is sold via GameStop and for the price the consumer gets a pretty plastic box, 'manual' and a product code card with the activation code for their game lasered on the surface. We'd offer to place the game download file on the consumer's USB device in case they don't have the download speed to do it themselves. What do you say Sony, this way we have the best of both worlds. Digital download where available, retail where it's not, and your retail partner has a chance to participate in the digital market place. Interested?"

Sony might well consider that kind of approach in places where broadband availability and speed do not make full game downloads viable.

BikerSaint
BikerSaint
14 years ago

If you check out GS's website, they're already selling DL's too.

LightShow
LightShow
14 years ago

for that kind of cash i'm getting a disc. really if there's an option, i go with the disc. the notable exception is psp games that me and my brother both like. its pretty much two-for-one at that point, especially if its a game like monster hunter that is best played multiplayer.

djduke316
djduke316
14 years ago

The problem with that is there is no disc version for Playstation in the US.

LightShow
LightShow
14 years ago

oh ya, i know. i was just noting in general that if i'm dropping that kind of cash for something i'm walking away with something in my hand.

Sol
Sol
14 years ago

I wanted the download when I heard it would be a download, but when I found out that the 360 would get a limited edition disc, I couldn't help but be slightly jealous. It's like the previous article from way back when. I'd rather have the disc. The only thing is that should I find I have no choice but to get the download, then I will fold and get the download. If the 360 wasn't so hard on discs, I'd buy it for it.

The point of all this: I'd still rather have the physical media in a case that I can put on a shelf and look at. I would never ENTIRELY support digital media unless I was born into it first and it was all I knew…

RebelJD
RebelJD
14 years ago

The Burnout Paradise bundle was up there in price and so is GTA: Episodes from Liberty City. If they discount the price of a download compared to its retail brother then this can work. That's only if they follow the e-book way. Imagine GT5 at $60 at retail on its release date. while at the same time $35-40 for direct download through PSN? It would work.

djduke316
djduke316
14 years ago

I opted for the disc-based 360 version. I would rather have this on PS3, but for $10 more (preordered at Amazon) I have the game on disc, the soundtrack, a pillow case and a mouse pad with boobs! What really irks me is that the US is the only region to not have this game on a disc PLUS the only region to release it on 360. Also wasn't thinking this game would be more than $40 on PSN. I'll be trying this game tonight. If it ever goes down in price and turns out to be a decent game I'll dl it for Playstation.