EA Defies Gaming Price Hike Trend

Publisher/developer EA has announced it won't follow competitors' lead in increasing game prices, despite recent moves by Microsoft and Nintendo to raise theirs to $80.

During the latest earnings call, CEO Andrew Wilson emphasized EA's commitment to delivering "exceptional quality and tremendous value" to players, mentioning the success of its popular co-op adventure Split Fiction, which has surpassed 4 million copies sold.

"The gaming landscape has fundamentally changed over the past decade," Wilson explained. "While retail disc sales still play a role, they’ve become a much smaller part of our business. Today, our pricing spans everything from free-to-play experiences to premium deluxe editions."

"Our priority isn’t about charging a dollar, $10, or $100—it's about ensuring players always get outstanding quality and lasting value," he continued. "Time and again, we’ve seen that when we combine these two principles, our business thrives and grows sustainably."

CFO Stuart Canfield reinforced this stance, stating, "From a strategic standpoint, we currently have no plans to adjust our pricing model."

This decision comes as a relief for gamers, especially after Microsoft's recent announcement of price increases for Xbox consoles, accessories, and upcoming first-party games—likely hitting $79.99 around the holiday season.

The industry has seen a steady rise in pricing over recent years, with AAA games climbing from $60 to $70 in just half a decade. Meanwhile, Nintendo plans to charge $80 for its Switch 2 exclusives, including the highly anticipated Mario Kart World. The Switch 2 itself, now confirmed at $450, has already faced backlash, though analysts acknowledge the increase reflects current economic realities.

EA's position suggests upcoming releases like EA Sports FC, Madden, and Battlefield will maintain their $70 standard edition pricing.

The news follows EA's recent workforce reductions, including around 100 layoffs at Respawn Entertainment, the studio behind Apex Legends, and broader cuts totaling approximately 300 employees company-wide.