PartOfYourWorld posted...
I have a question: what are the economics behind unopened new games being sold for like 50-75% off less than a year after release? I understand that these games are oftentimes bombs and that the seller is willing to take a hit just to clear inventory, but what about successful games? Example: I got Mass Effect 2 sealed and brand new for like $20 months after release. Portal 2 can be purchased for about half the launch price now, less than six months after launch. These are huge sellers.
Do publishers sell out subsequent shipments for lower and lower prices? What types of hits are sellers willing to take just to clear inventory? Is any profit being made on Bayonetta being sold for $12 brand new during a Black Friday sale? How much did Amazon pay for that game they're selling new for $12?
It's still strange to me. I consider gaming a pretty expensive hobby at $50-60 per game, but even if I want to support the industry by buying sealed copies, I just have to wait a few months or a year for huge discounts. That part of the gaming economic model is not something I see very commonly elsewhere... or at least I never notice it.
My guess is that the profits have already been made on those games, whether they sell remaining inventory or not.
--
Donny: Are they gonna hurt us, Walter?
Walter: No, Donny. These men are cowards.