At present, the VR FPS is priced at $30 on Valve’s store. However, the studio responsible for the game are running a social experiment that might slash the final cost to just $14.99.
How the Cost Campaign Works
Players are being asked to add the game to their saved items list. Based on the amount of wishlists, the cost will fall progressively.
- 30,000 additions: $26.99
- Forty thousand saves: twenty-five dollars
- 50,000 wishlists: twenty dollars
- 100,000 saves: $15
The Purpose Saves Count
Although Valve claims that wishlists do not directly influence exposure, titles with a higher number of wishlists often are featured in sections like Upcoming & Popular. That placement can trigger a snowball effect, possibly boosting discovery through algorithms.
Increased wishlists may result in increased purchases.
Additionally, gamers who wishlist a title are sent alerts when it launches or has a price drop. This may encourage delayed purchases.
Divided Opinions
A number of users have voiced skepticism about the marketing tactic. Skeptics speculate that the planned launch price may have always been set at $15, with the promotion acting as a marketing ploy.
Some have voiced doubts due to the team’s previous game, which several users described as incomplete. But, the studio have defended their history, pointing out numerous updates released over the last year.
A Small Developer’s View
The team describe themselves as a self-funded developer working to support both VR and their independent operation afloat. The developers emphasize that they are truly aiming to offer costs reasonable despite financial pressures.
We're genuinely attempting to maintain prices affordable despite ongoing cost increases.
Even if this move works remains to be seen, but it has certainly sparked debate within the community community.
