I don’t think it’s fair to compare a small company, like Choice of Games, to Electronic Arts.
I don’t think Choice of Games are squeezing us for money. If you compare what Choice of Games provides, to equivalent products in the market I do still think they’re value for money. I’m hard-pressed to find decent ebooks for only $3.
I do completely understand the whole not having enough money to buy something that you want. I’m likely one of the loudest complainers when I see a game on Steam is £2.10 and on Chrome it’s £1.89. That’s a 21p difference. And I bet most people are looking at my posts as if I’m crazy and thinking “ha that’s only 30cents, what can you buy for 30cents?” and I’ll be “I’ll have you know, the currency converter says that’s 31cents!” And the answer to the question is, unfortunately not very much anymore, but when you’ve not got much cash every penny counts.
Choice of Games are a business, they need to make money. They have to be able to pay all of those writers who’re making games for them.
I was going to say something, but I checked the prices and you’re right, the current standard price looks to be $3+ for the newer games. I suppose we can blame inflation, the current economy and all that. I’d say it’s still worth the money, even if buying it means I only get to buy one game instead of two.
There’s a couple of really old blog posts that discuss some of their decisions on charging for games. (I know that’s not your argument, it’s just too expensive, not that you have to pay.)
This one’s four and a half years old. 8 Ways to Make Money When You’re Banned from AdSense - Choice of Games LLC
This is 2 years old. Choice of Intrigues Is About to Stop Being Free - Choice of Games LLC
@Aera I hate that same as a cup of coffee argument. It’s the same argument people give when they’re trying to suggest that people save money, by doing things like cutting out $3 coffees from their lives. Which is all very well and good if you’ve got a $3 coffee habit, but if you’re poor, well you might as well be suggesting I cut out my £100 champagne habit, and both will have the exact same effect on my wallet, since I’m drinking as much of that champagne as I am of the coffee.
Besides, I prefer tea over both since I’m a proper Brit. A pot of tea is unfortunately $3 nowadays. Generally I just ask for tap water, it’s cheaper.
Anyway where was I? If you love Choice of Games, and you can’t afford the current price tag, but do have some time to spare, can I suggest looking out for the beta-test games? You won’t get to play finished games and you do need to put some time into providing feedback, but in return you at least get a chance to play the games. You’ll also get a glimpse into some of the hard work that goes into making the games and why even at $3.50 they’re a steal. (But don’t just do this to get free games, do it because you’ve time to provide feedback and help make those games better.)