EA Defies Trend: No Plans to Raise Video Game Prices

Electronic Arts (EA), the renowned publisher and developer, has recently reassured investors that it does not intend to increase the prices of its games despite the growing trend among competitors like Microsoft and Nintendo to hike their prices to $80. During a financial call addressing stakeholders, CEO Andrew Wilson emphasized the company's commitment to delivering exceptional quality and significant value to its player base. He cited the success of their cooperative adventure title, Split Fiction, which has achieved sales of four million copies as a testament to this strategy.

Wilson highlighted the evolution of EA's business model over the past decade, noting that while physical disc sales were once central to their operations, they now encompass a diverse range of offerings from free-to-play models to premium editions. Regardless of the format or price point, whether it's a dollar or $100, the core mission remains consistent—to provide unmatched quality and value to players. Over time, the company has found that integrating these elements leads to robust, adaptable businesses capable of sustained growth.

From a financial standpoint, CFO Stuart Canfield reiterated that EA has no plans to alter its current pricing approach. This stance contrasts sharply with recent developments elsewhere in the industry. Last week, Microsoft announced increases in Xbox prices along with hikes in controller, headset, and select game costs. Similarly, Nintendo has embraced the $80 price tag for exclusive titles like Mario Kart World on the upcoming Switch 2, which launched at $450—a move met with mixed reactions from consumers amidst global economic challenges.

As a result, gamers can anticipate standard editions of upcoming EA titles such as EA Sports FC, Madden, and Battlefield to remain priced at $70. Additionally, last week's reports indicated that EA had downsized its workforce by approximately 100 positions within Respawn Entertainment, the studio behind Apex Legends, alongside broader layoffs affecting around 300 employees across the corporation.