NBA 2K21 and the Inevitable Inflation of Next-Gen Game Prices

NBA 2K21 has unveiled the cover art for its most expensive edition – Mamba Forever – priced at $99.99/£84.99 for both standard and next-generation consoles. Some users are unhappy with EA’s use of the late Kobe Bryant as a model for the game’s most expensive edition, while others got exactly what they wanted. 

The price of the standard edition for next generation consoles has been increased by some $10/£8, forcing some to speculate that this might be the new business model of all next generation games. As of right now, it is unclear whether or not this price increase will cover future DLC and completely omit egregious microtransactions the series is known for, or will serve as the new standard. Video games are expensive to develop, market and maintain – leaving some game journalists to agree with the price inflation. 

According to in2013dollars.com, $60 in 2006 “is equivalent in purchasing power to about $76.31 in 2020, a difference of $16.31 over 14 years The 2006 inflation rate was 3.23%. The current year-over-year inflation rate (2019 to 2020) is now 0.12%.”  A spokesperson from 2K tells Digital Trends, “We believe our suggested retail price for NBA 2K21 on next-generation platforms fairly represent the value of what’s being offered.”  Other publishers have yet to announce their retail prices for upcoming titles, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if they follow 2K’s model. 

Console game prices have stayed the same for over ten years, with increasing user demand favouring photorealistic graphics and fantastic performance/high fps. It was only a matter of time before prices inflated, but it leaves me to question if the average gamer will pay that initial price point. It isn’t a huge increase, but I expect next-gen console owners – like those interested in Xbox Series X – to justify that inflation with included DLC. As someone who understands how expensive video games are to make, the increased price point is completely justifiable.    

And if you haven’t checked out the latest trailers for NBA 2K21 then you can find all the cover reveals for Kobe Bryant, Damian Lillard and Zion Williamson below. You’ll find NBA 2K21 releasing on Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia and PC come September 4th 2020. It’ll also arrive on Xbox Series X and PS5 as a console launch title.