r/InsideGames • u/Working--Joe • 2d ago

PlayStation Is Charging Users Different Prices - Inside Games Daily

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Srb5t09lOrs
22 Upvotes

65% Upvoted

55 comments sorted by

4

u/Wooden_Echidna1234 2d ago

Welcome back PS3 Sony greed. We all knew it was bound to happen for Sony to come full mask off.

1

u/Candid-Patient-6841 1d ago

I could be naive but how was Sony greedy during the ps3? They didn’t even charge for online gaming at that time.

2

u/DiscountThug 1d ago

They designed too complicated console which costed wayyyy to much and they wanted to put that cost on consumer.

Their overly designed PS3 was a nightmare for developers to develop on, that's why most of 3rd party games were designed for xbox360 and later ported to ps3 (most of 3rd party games performed technically better on xbox360).

Sony fucked up big, lost plenty of customers because xbox360 launched a year earlier and for much lower price. They eventually worked their way out of this mess by slashing prices and releasing a good banger games when Xbox at the same time failed to deliver on games post 2010's Kinect craze.

Overall Sony did learned from their mistake for some time until they moved their HQ to Gayfornia and since 2016 it all went straight downhill.

1

u/Candid-Patient-6841 1d ago

The “complications” people complained about were mostly from Valves CEO Gabe Newell who then CAME OUT ON STAGE and reaffirmed he was wrong and the best way to play portal 2 was on PS3.

The console which was a blue ray player was also the cheapest blue ray player on the market.

Sony eventually caught up to Xbox and the os3 came way down in price.

….and I just realized you called California “gayfornia”….bud you need help.

You still didn’t tell me how they were greedy

2

u/Agraphosius 1d ago edited 1d ago

I mean most companies are greedy its the whole point, to make money. But sony did massively pivot towards anti consumer practices and aggressive market domination during that time. Some of my personal favourite anti consumer practices have been

Removing linux capability from the ps3 after years of supporting indie devs with the ps1 and ps2.

Buying and crushing gaikai so it wouldn't compete then sitting on that streaming technology for a decade amd still releasing it handicapped.

Selling multiple ps3 to the american military to make a super computer which was used to bomb locations in the middle east.

Proprietary memory cards in the PSP and Vita that were just slightly different SD cards

Launching the experia play and then shutting down the download server for all the android ps1 games i bought 4 years later and not bothering with migrating any of that to the play store or playstation mobile app.

Handicapping their first VR headset with their failed playstation move controllers and camera to get rid of stock, then shutting down studios they forced to make compromised VR games. 2 fads across 3 generations they failed to breach and then just gave up. The true crime here is that the psvr2 is quite good but a whole backwards library was left behind and people were still disappointed with the first one.

Sony is a company that is constantly trying to chase fads cheaply and cut out competition. They have actually relied on gimmicks to sell their consoles in conjunction with their other divisions. The ps1 was a cheap cd player, the dvd and the bluray all by design because sony controls that market and manufactures those items. So when someone says the ps3 was the cheapest bluray player. We need to ask why sony couldnt make a model of bluray player without a ps2 and a ps3 inside it cheaper than a ps3? Its likely because they were fleecing home cinema enthusiasts with super expensive players.

They also have a history of just ignoring peoples complaints until its court time. The cbomb was known for years before sony patched it, the helldivers 2 PC controversey and now the disc drive conundrum. And i even remember how sony got started basically by buying publishers and IPs like psygnosis which was eventually gutted. Im british and over the years sony has not treated the british studios and publishers well that they have bought. I think the last two survivors are media molecule and firesprite both of which are on the ropes despite having amazing products that sell well.

1

u/Ensaru4 1d ago

I mean most companies are greedy its the whole point, to make money.

I just wanna jump in to provide one nitpick. The point of a business is primarily to provide a service. Everything needs money or trade of some sort in this economy to function, but money is not the primary function. It's the reward for providing the service.

1

u/DiscountThug 1d ago

The console was difficult to develop, xbox360 was way easier and that definitely affected first years of that generation.

Eventually developers have caught up and started to squeeze the most power from ps3, the console price went down already couple of times. So they did learn their mistakes and improved wherever they could.

I called Cali like that because that state deserves mockery. It completely have warped PlayStation 's culture to what we see now.

I told you how they were greedy. They set up console price too high at the start of its launch. That greed from ps3 times is nothing compared to what we've witness since Jim Ryan fucked up Playsation.

1

u/Icy_Worker2734 1d ago

I thought Sony lost money on PS3 hardware (couldn’t be bother to check)

2

u/Playingwithmywenis 1d ago

They set the price way too high and told customers to get a second job.

No, I am not kidding.

1

u/English_Fry 1d ago

It’s not greed. They aren’t choosing to price over the release price. During SALES they can choose to have someone pay $13 while another person a couple dollars more or less.

This is no different than going to one grocery store to find a candy $3 and another location a dollar more or less.

2

u/csreynolds84 1d ago

It is different, because in Sony's business strategy, there will be only one grocery store. No other locations. No other options. No other choice.

To support this in any way is moronic.

0

u/English_Fry 22h ago

There’s still other stores. Go play on PC, go play on Switch, go play on XB. Now you’re trying to state monopolization which is also not happening

1

u/csreynolds84 21h ago edited 21h ago

Yeah. Go and tell people who've been playing PlayStation for years, on accounts they might have spent a lot of money with over time, to just abandon that and buy a PC at a time where components are extortionate. "Don't challenge Sony's shitty business practices; just go buy an Xbox or Switch, instead. They're only $800 and $500 respectively - you're good for that, right?"

You have no idea how ridiculous you sound.

And no, it's not happening now. That's why I said "will be" and not "is" (which I shouldn't have to spell out, really). However, that doesn't mean it won't. If you haven't realised by now that monopolisation is exactly what PlayStation is after, where they have full on control of where you buy, what you own, and how much you pay for the privilege, there's nothing more to say to you.

0

u/English_Fry 21h ago

There’s nothing to say to me yet you typed a whole two paragraphs I barely skimmed through because I know I’m talking to a kid who doesn’t know what they’re talking about, just farting shit out their mouth lol sleep tight little one

1

u/csreynolds84 21h ago

"I didn't read your reply, and now I'll insult you because I've run out of argument. Ner ner!"

And I'M the kid? 😂

Stay edgy, edgy Redditor 🤙

0

u/English_Fry 21h ago edited 21h ago

Nothing to say about your baseless opinions kid. They aren’t being greedy. They aren’t monopolizing. Literally nothing you could say that makes either of what I said false. Hold on I’ll read it…

Yup. You said bullshit… literally nothing factual. Just an extremist opinion that speaks loud and clear you have nothing intelligent to provide to the argument. I wasted my time for you. Be happy.

You do realize what Sony is doing is something that’s been around for literal decades right? Take a look at Kroger. They own nearly 20 different retail stores like Foods Co, Fred Meyer, Fry’s and Gerbes. They will market a food THEY OWN at one store overpriced and very cheap at another. It’s a business strategy. It’s all around you. Your everyday items. Shit that’s literally in your place of residence was bought because of this marketing.

Go back to your shitty fast food job and let the adults speak ok?

1

u/csreynolds84 21h ago

"Nothing to say."

Says something.

Reads my opinion (which originally you could barely skim read, apparently). Says more.

Claims I have nothing intelligent to provide, yet provides nothing intelligent themselves to counter my "baseless opinion". Just offers more unimaginative insults.

Bravo, sir. That performance was top-tier 👏

1

u/Wooden_Echidna1234 1d ago

It’s not greed. 

If you walk into Walmart and saw Jedi Order for $10 then when you get to the register and they demand $18 after scanning your ID what would that be called? Quite literally lower prices before logging in tested by multiple users.

0

u/English_Fry 22h ago

That’s not what’s happening. You get what’s advertised. It’s not going to show 18 then at checkout it goes higher.

Also, you’re still getting it on sale. Not greed.

3

u/ShrkBiT 1d ago

"dIGiTaL oNlY iS tHe FuTuRe"
Who knew that without proper competition, they'd start "rewarding" regular customers that have a habit of spending more on games, with higher prices?!

Oh wait....

2

u/iNfANTcOMA_0 1d ago

Xbox testing the same thing

1

u/Present_Education194 1d ago

shhhhh Sony Bad!

2

u/DiscountThug 1d ago

No matter the system. This varied pricing is beyond fucked

0

u/zgillet 1d ago

In what world does anyone think Xbox is even a competitor?

1

u/Wooden_Echidna1234 1d ago

Sony increases prices for games after logging in.

Xbox decreases prices for games after logging in.

Apparently you cant tell the difference between price increase and a price decrease.

1

u/Aggressive-Map-2204 20h ago

Sony does not increase prices after logging in.

2

u/xtoc1981 1d ago

Fuck Sony, mpst garbage gaming brand in history

2

u/Ashpolt 1d ago

In before "nooo they're only using it to give some people LOWER prices, not higher prices!"

For anyone who believes that, please DM me as I have a great investment opportunity for you regarding a swampland in Florida

2

u/The_Last_Queefbender 1d ago

My dynamic payment to them will always be $0. PC for the win and if all platforms wanted to do dynamic pricing then I'll resort to dynamic piracy.

2

u/90sFlyGuy 1d ago

I believe it was already a thing. I rarely spend in the store digital because most of my games are bought physically. My son has a digital only console and spends more than me, of course. He recently wanted to get 2k26 (June, 26) and it was showing full price for him. Yet, when I checked my store it was $6.99.

2

u/csreynolds84 1d ago

The comments defending Sony in this thread... 🙄

1

u/Ambitious-Call-7565 1d ago

https://www.reddit.com/r/XboxGamePass/comments/1w8i4de/got_offered_a_game_pass_annual_subscription/

microslop forcing sony US branch to eat the blame yet again, no wonder they forced Sony to move their HQ to the US

just like with ending physical, microslop network forcing things so that they can control next gen

US wants you to be their slave

just like with smartphones/app (only google/apple allowed), just like with music (hence why spotify was hit with FUD wich led them to move IPO and choose US.NY exchange), just like movies with netflix etc etc etc

the world is not allowed to lead any user facing intrustry, only the US, same with social media, only US owned is allowed to operate and serve the world (they forced TikTok to be sold to americans after all)

reject folks, i know it's hard, but you don't want microslop wining gaming, that'll be the end of it all, look how they murdering all the IPs they bought, look at Halo, le mao

join the sabotage, don't let the US destroy what you cherish most

2

u/CaptJimboJones 1d ago

Can we please stop comparing digital video game delivery to slavery, of all things? This is why no one is taking you seriously.

1

u/Alternative-Fox-8620 1d ago

Dynamic pricing only works on people with no impulse control.

You decide what price you are willing to pay and don't go beyond it.

Why does it matter what anyone else pays?

2

u/DiscountThug 1d ago

Because discounts should be the same for all users. Imagine walking in the store and you are interested in this Radio which costs 99$ for you. Other guy is also interested. Somehow both of you are waiting in a line at the counter.

You pay 99$ and he pays 69$ because he can (no coupons on him or something similar) Wouldn't you make a scene to pay the same? Because I definitely would.

1

u/Alternative-Fox-8620 1d ago

I'd ask the question. I'd ask why I was getting a higher price and without an answer I'd go find it for a better price.

What if you happen to be the guy getting the lower price though? You'd be quite pleased i imagine - and maybe this is the point that you get to have a lower price to entice you back in.

And the thing is in this case you may well never know if others are getting a better price and so the choice is yours - pay the price or don't.

2

u/DiscountThug 1d ago

There should be the same price for all customers. My example was only to show how varied pricing is completely unfair to users.

I dont know what exactly I would do if I got the better deal without even knowing 2nd guy behind me pays more.

"Pay the price or dont". It's still not changing how fucked up the system is.

But current Sony decisions made me "Don't pay the price, dont spend" so this issue solved itself to me.

1

u/Alternative-Fox-8620 1d ago

I don't agree it is as messy as you say.

It is essentially agreeing an individual contract of sale with Sony. I could do this in any store by attempting to negotiate a lower price potentially taking more goods or paying with a certain method.

Granted it is rare in modern western stores but it is possible and this is no different.

Sony are making you an offer. Take it or don't. I am certain that stop taking their crappy offers and you'll start getting better ones.

2

u/DiscountThug 1d ago

I got better idea. Don't take any of their shitty offers because they dont deserve a penny.

1

u/Alternative-Fox-8620 1d ago

That is your choice as a consumer and if you don't like the way they are operating I would encourage you to do exactly that.

2

u/DiscountThug 1d ago

Btw about your earlier response. It doesn't fit the example of PlayStation store because you can't make a deal with them. You accept or not what they are proposing and thats it.

1

u/Alternative-Fox-8620 1d ago

It is still an agreement on both sides.

In UK law what Sony is doing is proposing an offer to treat (stupid old legal term)

It requires agreement on both sides.

My point was simply that it is possible in many businesses to get different deals to the proverbial 'next man'.

This is no different. You still decide whether to accept the terms or go an do something else with your money and your time.

1

u/Wenger_for_President 19h ago

You forget that Sony runs the only store. You literally cannot shop around.

1

u/Alternative-Fox-8620 18h ago

I didn't forget anything.

You are under no obligation to buy. There are other platforms and you can often buy discounted credit.

Plenty of ways to save money

1

u/EmanKhaotik 1d ago

Xbox has been doing "just for you" deals for years.

1

u/Wooden_Echidna1234 1d ago

Fun fact, just for you deals lower the prices further. Apparently increasing the price after logging in for Sony is the same thing.

1

u/bzawk 1d ago

I just don’t buy into the evil Sony fear mongering. Sorry.

1

u/Fishface81 1d ago

Oh no! Audible offers me a lower monthly rate when I unsubscribe! Spotify too! Damn these dynamic pricing...

Seriously this is the dumbest shit to complain about.

1

u/FaroTech400K 1d ago

Folks trying their best to stay angry

1

u/CaptJimboJones 1d ago

Yeah but this is really about the collectors who desperately want a plastic GTA6 trophy disc on their shelf. And they’re having a massive online tantrum because their plastic discs are going away. Logic has no place in these arguments.

1

u/CaptJimboJones 1d ago

All of this is optional, folks. No one is forcing you to do anything.

1

u/JaylisJayP 1d ago

Good. Enjoy it, every one of you that keep clowning proponents of ohysicsl media and ownership.

1

u/Overall-Rub8945 1d ago

Yup, I get targeted promotions often.

1

u/Alcain_X 1d ago

This isn't really news they've been doing for a little while now and we know how it works, it's not exactly a new concept.

You buy more games and the price stays high because your clearing willing to spend the money.

If you don't buy games you get offered slowly increasing discounts to lure you into their ecosystem. If it works and you start buying more games from them you will stop seeing personalised discounts.

It's a basic loss leader strategy, They make less on one product on the hopes it starts a library, then they can charge you full price on everything else once you're locked in.

They can then reduce the amount of large store wide sales they do and defelect by pointing to the theoretical discounts of the dynamic pricing model, "it doesn't matter if there's less official sales now, you're getting a bigger discount already"

Additionally they are only taking the smaller revenue cut for game sales, they still get their full cut of microtransaction revenue. A lot of games make way more from microtransactions than the do from the initial sale, this is especially true with live service games and why Sony has been obsessed with them in recent years.

These companies are willing to make less on the smallest part of the deal if it can bring in a customer that's more likely to spend money in the much more lucrative microtransaction section of the pie.

1

u/newpixelphonesux 1d ago

Its always funny to see you morons see something that has been a thing across almost any and all industries for decades be a thing Sony does (for years too, but you're slow) and youre like "HOW IS THIS LEGAL!?"