It looks like Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio is seeing how much it can push the boundaries of monetization before everything breaks and the backlash gets too much for it and SEGA to bear.
In what appears to be the latest in a worrisome trend of video game companies constantly looking for new ways to milk its consumers, SEGA’s latest move with Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth has arguably got to be the worst of them all.
Apparently, RGG and SEGA have decided to put New Game Plus, a mode traditionally included as a standard feature in a lot of modern titles, especially blockbuster games, behind a paywall, which basically means you’ll have to purchase it alongside other optional content on top of the base game’s retail price.
This decision, first reported by PCGamer, reveals that the NG+ mode is exclusively available with the purchase of either the Deluxe or Ultimate Edition of the game, which are priced significantly higher than the Standard Edition.
The Standard Edition of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is priced at $69.99, while the Deluxe and Ultimate Editions sell for $84.99 and $109.99, respectively. The segregation of the NG+ mode to these higher-priced editions has sparked debate among gamers and industry observers, with many viewing it as an unfair monetization strategy.
A Reddit user, Megasomark, even reached out to Sega’s support team for clarification and received confirmation that its NG+ function is indeed exclusive to the Master Vacation pack, included in the more expensive editions.
This approach by Sega is indicative of a broader trend in the gaming industry, where publishers are exploring new ways to monetize game features. In some sectors, such as the automotive industry, features such as seat warmers and battery efficiency are being restricted behind subscription payments. However, in the case of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, the choice of bundling NG+ with additional content like extra dungeons and minigames may be seen as a tactic to encourage gamers to invest in the pricier versions.
The words “scummy” and “sleazy” have been used to describe this odd if the greedy pricing decision made by SEGA and RGG for what’s easily one of the biggest games coming out this 2024.
Therefore, the backlash is understandable and should only get worse as we inch closer to the game’s release on January 26, especially considering the raised base price of the game to $70, even for the PS4 version. Many are expressing their frustration that a feature traditionally included in the initial purchase price is now an extra cost. Some are worried that this might start a trend where companies will start bundling what should’ve been “free” features with the pricier and more expensive editions of their games. This would effectively mean that only those who are willing to pay the premium are getting the complete experience.
With recent blockbuster titles like Alan Wake 2 and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 releasing NG+ post-launch as free updates, it’s only fair to wonder why SEGA and RGG think that this is a good idea.
As gamers become more vocal about their expectations for game content and pricing, the hope is that publishers might reconsider strategies that involve paywalling standard game features. Otherwise, gamers better prepare to spend $100 or more to enjoy the best versions of their favourite games.
