Home Gaming Warning! Game prices are about to skyrocket

Warning! Game prices are about to skyrocket

3 min read
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Silly lady, you can't make an elephantSince we are dealing with the bad news of the Xbox One only coming in October and the lack of local cloud power I thought we may as well make this a day of abject misery and point out a really depressing fact that is about to hit all of us.

All our current game prices are about to go through the roof and as much as we don’t like it the distributors like it even less.

Our local distributors need to order their stock quite a way in advance of retail release and at that time they peg the US Dollar to the rand and place their orders. They also then take out some insurance on the exchange rate changing to protect everyone concerned, and later games arrive on retail shelves.

Oh wait not before they put on a standard profit margin and the couriers, customs and others do the same. We can claim that this happens all over the world but the number of gamers in Europe gives them a bulk discount as well, plus the fact that there are no customs duties moving between countries in the EU means that all games can enter together and be distributed from a central place.

Anyway moving on. As much as we all love to hate the likes of Ster-Kinekor, Megarom and Apex and claim that they are raising prices to line their own pockets it simply isn’t true. These are all companies that need to make a profit but at the same time are well aware that as prices go up the number of sales dwindle as people simply can’t afford to spend so much money on what is a blatant luxury.

So why are the prices about to escalate if everyone in the industry is desperate to keep prices down? Well when was the last time you looked at our exchange rate?

If only this was my bank account

As of today it will cost you R18.68 to buy a single British pound compared to R12.81 exactly 12 months ago.

That’s an incredible 50% increase. Now exactly a year ago games were going for around R550 – R600 each at retail. So without adding in inflation or anything else it is only reasonable to expect games to now sell at between R825 and R900 a title. Including inflation and e-Tolls costs that have to be passed onto consumers in some form we shouldn’t even be surprised to see the top titles selling for over R1000 in the near future.

And before everyone screams that they are going to import just remember this isn’t a local company problem. Te exchange rate is the issue so even buying directly from Amazon in the UK it’s still going to cost R803 + delivery and customs and therefore will likely still be cheaper here.

You know who loses out in all of this? Everyone in the industry. Gamers can’t buy as many games at that price so we lose our entertainment, distributors and retailer sales drop meaning they need to cut back on costs like staff and marketing. And we suffer badly because they are cutting down on marketing.

2014 is looking like a terrible year for gaming in South Africa and the most depressing part about all of it is that the only people who can fix this are the government and these clowns just recommended a convicted criminal to act as the police watchdog and the official opposition have named a member of an opposing party as their presidential candidate even though she hasn’t given up leading her other party.

I’m normally truly optimistic about our country but I have to say the last 2 weeks have sent me down an emotional borehole. I’m just hoping someone smacks some sense into these two parties before election day.

Last Updated: January 30, 2014

196 Comments

  1. Admiral Chief in Vegas

    January 30, 2014 at 12:07

    Geez, dat GBP

    O_O

    WTF

    Reply

  2. Spathi

    January 30, 2014 at 12:07

    Petrol to increase of about 30c in February and interest rate hike of 0.5%! Jippeeeee! If it wasn’t for PSN+ and steam sales, I’d be giving up gaming right about now, seriously. Everything, from food to petrol, has skyrocketed in the last 6 months and I’ll be going in survival mode for the next few months.

    Good luck to all, and fuck you Zuma.

    Reply

    • Admiral Chief in Vegas

      January 30, 2014 at 12:08

      Jip, where is our taxes going? Oh right, some silly Nkandla place and gravy trains and beeeemas and parties and things we don’t get.
      FFS

      Reply

      • Unavengedavo

        January 30, 2014 at 12:17

        No,no ,no… The money is not spent on those things! Have you not been following the news? The money has been either “lost” or “misappropriated”(not sure the government knows what this term means)

        Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      January 30, 2014 at 12:44

      Right you are, don’t forget GOG.com as well, they have monthly sales and all their games are DRM free so even if the internet gets to pricey you at least have that.

      Reply

    • General JJ PanGirl

      January 30, 2014 at 13:13

      Let’s not forget that the average employer hasn’t been keeping their increases level with inflation for years now.
      Except of course ANC officials. Who are getting great increases for the amazing work they’ve been doing the past few years.

      Reply

      • Spathi

        January 30, 2014 at 13:23

        Increase? What’s that?

        Reply

        • General JJ PanGirl

          January 30, 2014 at 13:24

          I’ve heard the bigshots throw that word around and thought I might sound clever if I mentioned it.

          Reply

    • MakeItLegal

      January 30, 2014 at 14:28

      I 2nd you

      Fuck u Zuma and most of the ANC

      Reply

  3. Admiral Chief in Vegas

    January 30, 2014 at 12:07

    No wonder the Rand is moertoe, bunch of clowns running government

    Reply

    • Unavengedavo

      January 30, 2014 at 12:20

      Hey watch your tongue… That is a serious insult to clowns everywhere 😛

      Reply

      • Admiral Chief in Vegas

        January 30, 2014 at 12:21

        Hehe, and my hatred for clowns make your statement even more true, since I despise politicians even more!

        Reply

    • General JJ PanGirl

      January 30, 2014 at 13:14

      “running” the government.
      You mean sleeping at their desks every day.

      Reply

      • Guest

        January 30, 2014 at 13:42

        Like this?

        Reply

        • General JJ PanGirl

          January 30, 2014 at 14:16

          Seems about right

          Reply

      • Corrie Botha

        January 30, 2014 at 13:44

        Like This?

        Reply

      • MakeItLegal

        January 30, 2014 at 14:29

        “Running”

        Made my day , thank you

        Reply

  4. Admiral Chief in Vegas

    January 30, 2014 at 12:09

    And one can no longer rely on Steam specials with the Rand/Dollar going like its going

    Reply

    • Unavengedavo

      January 30, 2014 at 12:15

      But I think Steam/GoG/Humble Bundle will be the cheapest way to get our games. Well on PC at least

      Reply

    • Kyratic

      January 30, 2014 at 12:45

      Free games, (LoL and Dota) come to mind will continue to dominate the SA community…

      Reply

      • Admiral Chief in Vegas

        January 30, 2014 at 12:47

        Don’t forget Planetside 2!!!

        Reply

        • Milesh Bhana

          January 30, 2014 at 13:44

          and Hearthstone.

          Reply

          • MakeItLegal

            January 30, 2014 at 14:30

            Yes ! Most fun I ve had since I tried Hon

      • Weanerdog

        January 30, 2014 at 14:46

        You can also sink a couple of hours into World of tanks and Quakelive

        Reply

        • Tydfall

          January 30, 2014 at 16:05

          Marvel Heroes is pretty awesome too

          Reply

          • Weanerdog

            January 31, 2014 at 09:04

            Cool I’ll check it out

  5. Admiral Chief in Vegas

    January 30, 2014 at 12:09

    Oh well, the terrible Rand is actually good for my backlog, so I’ve got that going for me, which is nice

    Reply

    • Spathi

      January 30, 2014 at 12:12

      You’ve found the silver lining, well done!

      Reply

      • oVg 60fps > 30fps

        January 30, 2014 at 12:15

        He found more silver than a South African minor 😛

        Reply

        • Admiral Chief in Vegas

          January 30, 2014 at 12:17

          Minor or miner?

          Reply

          • oVg 60fps > 30fps

            January 30, 2014 at 12:18

            both 😛

          • Admiral Chief in Vegas

            January 30, 2014 at 12:19

            A minor miner mining in a minor mine?

          • oVg 60fps > 30fps

            January 30, 2014 at 12:20

            sewer

          • Spathi

            January 30, 2014 at 12:21

            A minority minor miner mining minerals mostly Mondays?

          • Admiral Chief in Vegas

            January 30, 2014 at 12:23

            LOL

          • oVg 60fps > 30fps

            January 30, 2014 at 12:21

          • Admiral Chief in Vegas

            January 30, 2014 at 12:23

            O_O

            I’ve never been so desperate for valuables that I would try to salvage sewage

            *pukes*

          • Spathi

            January 30, 2014 at 12:23

            Once Star Citizen drops you’ll change your tune…

          • Admiral Chief in Vegas

            January 30, 2014 at 12:24

            Nah, like I said, I have my backlog to keep me busy

          • Spathi

            January 30, 2014 at 12:24

            You have extreme willpower then…

          • Unavengedavo

            January 30, 2014 at 12:35

            Think I might be doing that to support my gaming habit 😛

          • Weanerdog

            January 30, 2014 at 14:50

            They could be Miners.
            Sure they are like three years old.
            Miners not minors.
            You lost me.

  6. oVg 60fps > 30fps

    January 30, 2014 at 12:12

    FCUK ME when you put it that way. 2014 is looking rather shit indeed.
    It seems that it was only a few months ago that we were bitching about Megarom selling Max Payne 3 for R699.
    Now the average price for a new title like Assassins Creed at MUSICA is R749. wtf man?

    Not looking good.

    Reply

    • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

      January 31, 2014 at 08:40

      It’s absolutely depressing. I might only buy two games this year, and that hurts me right in my gaming gland. 🙁

      Reply

      • oVg 60fps > 30fps

        January 31, 2014 at 09:56

        Stem, Bananas do not have glands. 😛

        Reply

  7. AndriyP

    January 30, 2014 at 12:15

    Tis cool let them scream at the end of the year when the piracy of games goes up by 50% and peeps find ways to chip consoles etc

    Reply

    • Spathi

      January 30, 2014 at 12:16

      Dafuq, where have you been hiding? You haven’t commented in quite a while!

      Reply

      • oVg 60fps > 30fps

        January 30, 2014 at 12:17

        His cap was used up downloading pirated games 😛

        Reply

        • Admiral Chief in Vegas

          January 30, 2014 at 12:17

          XD

          Reply

        • Spathi

          January 30, 2014 at 12:17

          Hahahahaha!

          Reply

        • AndriyP

          January 30, 2014 at 12:20

          Wahahaha
          I wish but i guess it makes sense, whole world is hurting and we have less money to spend on our entertainment…

          Depressing really. We end up working more and more with less and less time for ourselves and to de-stress etc.

          Looking at the industry itself i see companies going down under if they keep selling DLC at the increased prices of games people will simply stop buying things that dont add to the value of their hard earned bucks.

          Now where is my fav torrent site….

          Reply

      • AndriyP

        January 30, 2014 at 12:22

        Ive taken a leave of absence from LG, who is this by the way?? it has been so long i dont recognise the name nor the picture

        Reply

        • Spathi

          January 30, 2014 at 12:31

          I was a regular (as Akira I think), disappeared for almost a year, and then slowly began commenting again under Spathi. Don’t think you’ll know me but I remember you.

          Reply

          • AndriyP

            January 30, 2014 at 13:20

            Ah you were one of them ninja commenters, were always there but never seen

    • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

      January 31, 2014 at 08:41

      DAFUQ! The Andriy has returned 😀

      Reply

      • AndriyP

        January 31, 2014 at 09:06

        You can bet your Banana butt im back!!!

        Reply

  8. LAblak22

    January 30, 2014 at 12:21

    South Park: The Stick of Truth was the first victim. R200+ price hike that shot it out of my hands and me into a life of alcohol fueled misery… Enter ALL the competitions! Heist ALL the BT Games! Anaaaaaarchy!.. IN THE UK!

    Reply

    • Rikus

      January 30, 2014 at 12:43

      Wait what?! Dammit, was planning on getting that game.

      Reply

      • LAblak22

        January 30, 2014 at 14:03

        A CERTAIN online retailer had it for R429 and now it’s basically R700… They sure do take a lot…

        Reply

        • Rikus

          January 30, 2014 at 14:18

          Its not only that certain retailer. Both BT and Kalahari has it for around R700.

          Reply

          • LAblak22

            January 30, 2014 at 15:52

            I know, I just mean that they went from R430 to R700 while others started off high. It breaks my heart. I need my fart and dick jokes, man. I needs them.

  9. Rags

    January 30, 2014 at 12:26

    Luckily I have about $400 on kiva. Should cover my gaming budget for the year. But what goes up will come down. Anyway I fully support the DA Agang move, the way they went about it was a disaster though.

    Edit: Are we importing from UK? Or US?

    Reply

    • Unavengedavo

      January 30, 2014 at 12:34

      UK, I think we fall under that “Region”

      Reply

  10. Kromas

    January 30, 2014 at 12:26

    I just cling to Steam and their sales.Grab the additional humble bundle and buy collectors editions only when it looks awesome.

    Reply

    • Admiral Chief in Vegas

      January 30, 2014 at 12:27

      Indeed. I have to lower my spending cap though, seems like the FIVE DOLLAHS rule needs to be adjusted

      Reply

      • Kromas

        January 30, 2014 at 13:27

        We all do.

        Reply

      • General JJ PanGirl

        January 30, 2014 at 13:27

        Same here.

        Reply

    • R1ker

      January 30, 2014 at 12:47

      I fear that soon we will be struggling to afford the steam sales.

      Reply

      • ToshZA

        January 30, 2014 at 13:27

        $20 for a 2 month old game vs R1000 for a new game? Yeah, I know which I’ll choose.

        Reply

  11. El Capitan del Blade

    January 30, 2014 at 12:28

    This is where Digital Downloads become a viable option, No Import Duties. You only pay the $ price converted into Randses. Hopefully, Console Owners will have a wide library of games to purchase in the near future….

    Reply

    • Guest

      January 30, 2014 at 12:31

      still paying in dollars though =/

      Reply

      • El Capitan del Blade

        January 30, 2014 at 12:34

        Well, yes but you have to work in all the duties cost for a physical copy and such. Example: Game X gets released in April. It costs $60. So digital copy will run you R679, (at current exchange rate). vs R800+ for a physical copy.

        Reply

        • Gavin Mannion

          January 30, 2014 at 12:58

          it’s more than that if you check the online stores… because tax 🙂

          Reply

    • Unavengedavo

      January 30, 2014 at 12:34

      Don’t they add VAT as well when you buy online?

      Reply

      • El Capitan del Blade

        January 30, 2014 at 12:36

        nope. No Vat….

        Reply

    • Willem Swanepoel

      January 30, 2014 at 14:39

      Steam game sales are more expensive than local retail copies but if the local prices increases with R200 then buying digital will be cheaper.

      We are looking at R720 for a digital PC game from steam (AAA title) with the rand crappy exchange

      Reply

      • El Capitan del Blade

        January 30, 2014 at 15:17

        I was focussing on cosole actually, i mean, what PC gamer buys at launch on Steam? 😛

        Reply

  12. Rock789

    January 30, 2014 at 12:28

    **sobs uncontrollably**

    Reply

    • RinceThis2014

      January 30, 2014 at 12:47

      There there man. At least you don’t have to fork out for next gen games. Oh, wait 0_O

      Reply

  13. AndriyP

    January 30, 2014 at 12:30

    damn it now i have to go from 2 packets of 2 minute noodles a day to 1 packet
    * run away crying

    Reply

    • oVg 60fps > 30fps

      January 30, 2014 at 12:49

      1 minute noodles

      Reply

      • General JJ PanGirl

        January 30, 2014 at 13:23

        I buy the cheap ones. Mine are 10 minute noodles.

        Reply

  14. Umar Break Dancing Cyborg

    January 30, 2014 at 12:35

    2nd hand….Eff first hand games at a grand a pop…I can no longer afford the games. A rolling backlog allows me to play something else while I wait for a game I want to become cheaper or get it 2nd hand….Oh what an expensive hobby I got now

    Reply

    • oVg 60fps > 30fps

      January 30, 2014 at 12:39

      Its cheaper building model RC aircraft.

      Reply

      • Umar Break Dancing Cyborg

        January 30, 2014 at 12:41

        Hell at least once its built its built…..#Patches #DLC #nutShot

        Reply

        • oVg 60fps > 30fps

          January 30, 2014 at 12:42

          you own it.

          Reply

          • Umar Break Dancing Cyborg

            January 30, 2014 at 12:55

            That’s the kicker for me, it’s yours…I dread the day gaming becomes a service

          • oVg 60fps > 30fps

            January 30, 2014 at 12:58

            What amazes me is that NOT anywhere on the box does it say “INTERNET REQUIRED for day one update”

            Am I right in saying that the Bone needs a MANDATORY internet connection?

          • Umar Break Dancing Cyborg

            January 30, 2014 at 13:06

            Lol Exactly, maybe not mandatory PERSISTENT online connection, but still, internet is required…

            Future gamer , Bone-Year 3 : It’s been 3 months since the last firmware update…Something is wrong here. I can feel them…They’re watching my every move..I can no longer take it…I think it’s time…..I get rid of this damn machine and buy a WiiU 2.0 !

  15. Martin du preez

    January 30, 2014 at 12:36

    Lazygamer, Y U NO BRINGER OF GOOD NEWS?

    Reply

    • Admiral Chief in Vegas

      January 30, 2014 at 12:37

      Lets hope they post a video of Darryn being shot with paint-balls later to cheer us up

      Reply

      • ToshZA

        January 30, 2014 at 13:26

        I bet Zoe could beat Darryn in an arm wrestling contest.

        Reply

    • oVg 60fps > 30fps

      January 30, 2014 at 13:02

      because we live in South Africa 😛

      Reply

  16. Martin du preez

    January 30, 2014 at 12:39

    You guys,don’t stress! Paris Hilton has a great strategy for all our woes!

    Reply

    • Gavin Mannion

      January 30, 2014 at 12:58

      I need that shirt

      Reply

      • VampyricSquirrel Monk

        January 30, 2014 at 13:45

        That specific shirt, or a shirt like that one?

        Reply

      • oVg 60fps > 30fps

        January 30, 2014 at 13:47

        Now pay your E-TOLL 😛

        Reply

    • General JJ PanGirl

      January 30, 2014 at 13:23

      Such a simple solution. Why haven’t we all thought of this?

      Reply

      • Alien Emperor Trevor

        January 30, 2014 at 13:25

        Probably because we’re too poor to be allowed into the shop where they sell that.

        Reply

        • General JJ PanGirl

          January 30, 2014 at 13:25

          Makes sense.

          Reply

    • Spathi

      January 30, 2014 at 13:24

      Being poor is so yesterday!

      Reply

    • WhoSunkMyBattleship?

      January 30, 2014 at 15:36

      LOL! For that I dub thee Martin Da Preez (for toiday). Now off to Nkandla with you. I smelling something burning.

      Reply

  17. Lydon McG

    January 30, 2014 at 12:40

    All I can say is thank goodness for PSN+. That’s at least one game a month to tide me over.

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      January 30, 2014 at 12:41

      +1

      Reply

    • Sageville

      January 30, 2014 at 14:08

      Werd!

      Reply

  18. RinceThis2014

    January 30, 2014 at 12:44

    Right. That’s it. Who wants to be pink?

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      January 30, 2014 at 12:45

      Pink?

      Reply

      • RinceThis2014

        January 30, 2014 at 12:46

        Yes, that colour on the left.

        Reply

        • Hammersteyn

          January 30, 2014 at 12:52

          Had to refresh 😛

          Reply

    • Admiral Chief in Vegas

      January 30, 2014 at 12:47

      Green!

      Reply

      • RinceThis2014

        January 30, 2014 at 12:49

        We have a green who’s in for yellow or pink!? Yes, surprisingly I’ve chosen orange…

        Reply

        • Hammersteyn

          January 30, 2014 at 12:50

          Why orange? Oh wait…..

          Reply

          • RinceThis2014

            January 30, 2014 at 12:50

            Stop hitting your pink hippo! Wait, what? 0-O

          • Hammersteyn

            January 30, 2014 at 12:52

            LOL

        • Hammersteyn

          January 30, 2014 at 12:50

          I’m yellow

          Reply

    • oVg 60fps > 30fps

      January 30, 2014 at 12:59

      FCUK YOU

      Reply

      • Martin du preez

        January 30, 2014 at 13:36

        Shut the fuck up Donny,you’re out of your element.

        Reply

        • oVg 60fps > 30fps

          January 30, 2014 at 13:42

          lol

          Reply

        • RinceThis2014

          January 30, 2014 at 13:45

          HAHAHAHA

          Reply

      • RinceThis2014

        January 30, 2014 at 13:45

        HAHAHAHAH!

        Reply

    • Alien Emperor Trevor

      January 30, 2014 at 13:03

      Bwhaha I had that as a kid!

      Reply

      • RinceThis2014

        January 30, 2014 at 13:05

        Oh, I see, willing to comment on the hippos but not the Asscrack Creed?! You make me sad!

        Reply

        • Alien Emperor Trevor

          January 30, 2014 at 13:08

          What’s a Vita? 😛

          Reply

        • VampyricSquirrel Monk

          January 30, 2014 at 13:44

          It’s only because he had to play as all 4 hippos. #foreverSP

          Reply

          • RinceThis2014

            January 30, 2014 at 13:46

            Ouch!

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            January 30, 2014 at 16:53

            pffft, you’re just jealous because I always won.

    • Double-O-Six and a half

      January 30, 2014 at 13:43

      We should develop and market a lazygamer version of “Whack-A-Mole” you know that game where you have to hit moles on the head with a rubber hammer as they pop up… but (and here’s the kicker) instead of moles lets put politicians heads there instead and give people a real hammer!!! I bet we’d make enough money out of that to fund any increase in game prices!!!

      Reply

  19. R1ker

    January 30, 2014 at 12:45

    I have a strong suspicion that piracy is going to shoot up through the roof.

    Reply

  20. UltimateNinjaPandaDudeGuy

    January 30, 2014 at 12:47

    Steam sales kthx

    Reply

  21. Theo Steenekamp

    January 30, 2014 at 12:47

    yoh oh yo ho!!! It’s Pirates life for me… Argggg

    Reply

  22. RinceThis2014

    January 30, 2014 at 12:49

    Wowza. This is not good news. With all the crap that is happening in SA I used games as a means of saving, you know, not going to movies, not eating out, not, well, doing anything other than sit in a dark room with my non-licensed monitor and old Xbox 360. If I can’t even do that, what’s the point?

    Reply

  23. Lardus-Resident Perve

    January 30, 2014 at 12:50

    The power of the shower! Mine strikes for pay (directly and indirectly causing job losses), eTolls, Nkandla, Water Crisis, post office strikes, eTolls, criminals in powerful positions, criminals nominated for parliament, eTolls etc. This country I love is going down the shower drain!

    Reply

  24. Hammersteyn

    January 30, 2014 at 12:55

    Sony for the win PS+ on three platforms! I just hope BT Games survives.

    Reply

    • ToshZA

      January 30, 2014 at 13:23

      I hope so too, they’ve been around for many many years and still offer the best value for money, as well as client service of any gaming retailer in this country.

      Reply

      • Hammersteyn

        January 30, 2014 at 13:41

        Yup I laugh at CNA,Look & Listen and Musica. They have no idea what gaming is about. It’s just another product to sell for them. I’ve seen games there pre 2010 that still sells for full price for instance.

        Reply

        • Milesh Bhana

          January 30, 2014 at 14:00

          CNA’s main draw card was that peeps could get games on their Edgars accounts. But i see that must be waning now because their games sections seem to have shrunk.

          Reply

        • CAE9872

          January 30, 2014 at 14:26

          Yeah BT Games have good selection of games. But their service is not good – or should I say their checkout procedures. Bloody hell! Its rare that it takes anything under 10 mins. My wife usually says “going to look at clothes as you will be here a while”.

          So yes there checkout system is utter crap!

          As for those other – oh hell yes. They have no idea about gaming. When PS4 came out I went into Cavendish (CT) Musica and asked “do you have a PS4”. TWO clerks later both telling me its not out yet until next year!

          Hmmmm…really?

          And they havent heard of bargains/sales unless its FIFA 11. Then its R150/R199 and there are many to choose from…as long as its FIFA 11.

          The other culprit is Reggies/Toys R Us/Incredible (Dis)Connection…

          Suppose why we all moving to online retailers which is a shame as nothing better than going into a shop to browse, finding a long lost game at a “cheap” price.

          Reply

          • Hammersteyn

            January 30, 2014 at 14:43

            What takes so long at BT games? I give them what I want swipe my card and I’m out the door in less than five minutes.

          • CAE9872

            January 30, 2014 at 15:05

            The ones here in Cape Town…usually only have one till for cash and one for c/card. Then if you buy on card, as I generally do, and it goes over Rx then they want ID/drivers. If you have 2nd hand games, ID/drivers.

            They then weigh them and write that down.

            The storerooms are quite small so finding a few games is never a 2 min exercise. Most of the storerooms are a mess truth be told (the auditor in me shudders at the internal control processes or lack thereof).

            OK 2nd hand games takes a little longer and I partly understand that part of the process.

            Then to swipe card its happened that the system malfunctions and we do this again (and I am not saying its only happened once either). Or the credit card machine doesn’t work (as has happened MANY times). At one of them we even did the old manual c/card process.

            I sometimes feel like I am the one doing them a favour/me being a criminal with all the stuff they first check. Perhaps their problem is all the gamers who try and make out that the game wasn’t in the box (which is why they weigh them), c/card fraud, stolen property (2nd hand games). But we are not all there to do them out of their hard earned income either! Can you imagine going to do a weekly grocery shop and everyone had to be vetted first…

            Your experience of “give card, swipe card, out”…I wish I was you 🙂

            But don’t get me wrong – I like BT Games => most of the staff are good/knowledgeable/enthusiastic and their stores are clean, well lit, and stocked. Pleasure browsing. Hence why I try and support them as much as possible as I want them to be around.

          • Hammersteyn

            January 30, 2014 at 15:07

            Wow that’s a lot of issues. Hopefully they sort it out.

          • CAE9872

            January 30, 2014 at 15:40

            Yeah makes me sound old and grumpy…which I am 🙂

    • Tarisma

      January 30, 2014 at 14:40

      Ps+ is what I’m gonna be exclusivly using from now on

      Reply

      • Hammersteyn

        January 30, 2014 at 14:51

        You will get more than your moneys worth and then some.

        Reply

  25. Morne Nell

    January 30, 2014 at 13:05

    Happy I pre-ordered my PS4, next release will probably be higher. Imagine the price the xbone will cost on release in SA probably close to 8000

    Reply

    • Rikus

      January 30, 2014 at 13:13

      I received an email from Takealot earlier this week regarding the next batch of PS4s. There is already a price increase.

      Reply

      • Alien Emperor Trevor

        January 30, 2014 at 13:15

        How much have they gone up by?

        I was looking to buy a couple of 2TB HDDs, price went up by +-R100 over 2 weeks.

        Reply

        • Rikus

          January 30, 2014 at 13:18

          Playstation 4 Console 500GB + 1 x Wireless Controller (PS4) @ R6799.00 compared to the R6299 initial launch price.

          Reply

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            January 30, 2014 at 13:23

            Ouch that’s going to hurt. I wonder how much they’ll cost by the end of the year.

          • General JJ PanGirl

            January 30, 2014 at 13:24

            I’m already running out of arms and legs here.

          • Rikus

            January 30, 2014 at 13:27

            Yeah. Sorry for the people waiting for a price drop before buying the PS4. Seems like that is not going to happen soon.

            I suspect the Xbone is going to be hella expensive when it launches here.

  26. Alien Emperor Trevor

    January 30, 2014 at 13:11

    No prices increases with next-gen? HAHA not true. DLC & microtransactions increasing games prices even further. YES. And now the exchange rate going for a ball of crap making it even worse? Thank me for my backlog of games.

    Reply

    • General JJ PanGirl

      January 30, 2014 at 13:16

      I’ll finally get around to mine too. And then just replay them since I might never be able to buy a game again if it keeps going at this rate.

      Reply

      • Alien Emperor Trevor

        January 30, 2014 at 13:17

        Except you Witcher 3, I’ll sell what’s left of Rince’s liver for that. Maybe even get enough change for a Bar One.

        Reply

        • General JJ PanGirl

          January 30, 2014 at 13:19

          I haven’t gotten into Witcher yet, so I don’t have that urge to get it luckily.
          Now you’ve made me curious about Rince’s liver worth on the black market.

          Reply

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            January 30, 2014 at 13:20

            Given it’s colour, the only market you could sell it on is the black market.

          • Weanerdog

            January 30, 2014 at 15:03

            Hey isn’t this the third time you selling Rince’s liver.

          • RinceThis2014

            January 30, 2014 at 15:10

            At the very least.

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            January 30, 2014 at 15:15

            …maybe

          • RinceThis2014

            January 30, 2014 at 15:10

            I’d say then sell your hair, but that’s a bit of a grey area 😛

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            January 30, 2014 at 15:16

            My hair colour makes me look distinguished, I’m too polite to tell you what yours does for you 😛

          • RinceThis2014

            January 30, 2014 at 15:19

            You are anything but polite. And if by distinguished you mean that scary man who stands outside schools then you have that nailed down perfectly 😛 Hope you are feeling a bit better, you seem to be back to your normal horrible self.

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            January 30, 2014 at 16:50

            It’s amazing what a day in bed accomplishes. and by “in bed” I mean playing FF8.

        • RinceThis2014

          January 30, 2014 at 15:10

          Not a chance you’d even afford the cover mate. Sorry. Out of luck, and liver.

          Reply

    • RinceThis2014

      January 30, 2014 at 15:11

      How much is a normal game these days on PC? Like if Witcher 3 was out?

      Reply

      • Alien Emperor Trevor

        January 30, 2014 at 15:15

        New AAA titles are between $50 & $60 generally. Wait a year & most will be half price. Except for COD of course, moo said the cow.

        Reply

        • RinceThis2014

          January 30, 2014 at 15:17

          $60 for PC game? Thought they were much cheaper than console games.

          Reply

          • Gavin Mannion

            January 30, 2014 at 15:29

            They generally are locally but that is also startng to change and they are catchng up

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            January 30, 2014 at 16:49

            That’s the standard Steam price, you can get them cheaper if you preorder from takelot or where ever.

  27. GalacticLordCaptainAwesomeness

    January 30, 2014 at 13:11

    STEAM sales FTW….

    Reply

  28. Wyzak

    January 30, 2014 at 13:26

    Time to work on my backlog.

    Reply

    • That'swhatSheSaid

      January 30, 2014 at 15:32

      Yep!

      Reply

  29. Milesh Bhana

    January 30, 2014 at 13:42

    *hugs PSN+ Instant Game Collection and “free” Hearthstone.

    Reply

  30. HvR

    January 30, 2014 at 13:46

    And all the reasons listed by Gavin here is why, especially in South Africa, digital copies of games should 40% less than a hard copy.

    Reply

  31. RinceThis2014

    January 30, 2014 at 13:47

    PS. Alt text win 🙂

    Reply

    • Spathi

      January 30, 2014 at 13:48

      Hahahah yes. Took me a while to get it, but I’m known to be slow.

      Reply

  32. HvR

    January 30, 2014 at 13:54

    Days like this that calls for a bit of Seeleeu Luipoldt
    https://soundcloud.com/janvleispyp/seeleeu-luipoldt-blou-blou-lug

    Reply

  33. MakeItLegal

    January 30, 2014 at 14:27

    I just wana throw this bait out there and see who bites ( it’s a shitty day after all )

    Did some one say steam is still cheap compared to brick and motar ?

    Hey who said that come back here now !

    What’s that in your hand ? A r800 ps3 game that u can’t play on your new ps4 ? Wait what ? U need a 5mbd line to play all your old games ? No wait what ? U have to buy then again ?

    Oh cave story how u tickle me today

    Reply

    • Willem Swanepoel

      January 30, 2014 at 14:33

      Interesting 😉

      If you buy an AAA title from steam on day one release then it is more expensive than buying it from a local retailer.

      Do not know who said Steam is cheaper. Steam is cheaper, during the season sales than, our local retailers that is a fact.

      Anyway, I feel sorry for the new console game releases. Paying R1000 for a game will hurt our local gaming retail market. I guess PC game sales will be around R500-R600

      Salary increases does not even come close to the shit rand exchange and price increases with inflation.

      Dark times for gaming in SA … very dark times

      Reply

      • MakeItLegal

        January 30, 2014 at 14:53

        I have to be a cheap skate gamer at the moment , so I will wait for sales , I will play free to play …. That’s where I will or will not spend my money …. But not a chance I am paying more than 600 for a game …. Unless it was gta v with a lockpick kit

        Reply

  34. CAE9872

    January 30, 2014 at 14:29

    I actually do not consider SK/Megarom as the enemy. Sure they have a bit of fat and maybe a monopoly in certain areas but on the whole when you do direct conversion of price overseas to local you get price we pay…sometimes a little less even.

    Afraid our exchange rate going for up in flames has been on the cards for a while now. And election year makes international investors jittery meaning more of them pulling their money out “just in case.”

    Reply

  35. AchtungBaby_

    January 30, 2014 at 14:30

    If prices just keep increasing, I may just stop gaming. I will not pay R800-R1000 just for a game, no CE or anything. The cost of living is too high already. I cancel lots of social events because I simply can’t afford them. I plan to do all my shopping and errands on the same day as to save petrol. Gym membership has been cancelled, home gymming will have to do. A R800 game has no place in my life. Unless I get it for free. I will pay my yearly PS+ fee and that’s about it for now. This country is going to sh!t.

    Reply

  36. Slangzn

    January 30, 2014 at 14:33

    “Oh dear we cant understand why Piracy is so rampant….” yes I agree its not a solution to the problem but you all know its going to happen

    Reply

  37. Anon A Mouse

    January 30, 2014 at 14:35

    Annnd that’s why I buy old games. I can buy five games for the price of one title. So in that way price increases isn’t really affecting me, but that will put the retailers and distributors under serious pressure if everyone is doing that.

    Reply

  38. Gr8_Balls_o_Fire

    January 30, 2014 at 14:57

    They’ll skyrocket. But they will depreciate just as fast I hope.

    However with less supply, depreciation rate may not be the same.

    Reply

  39. TorrentingTurtle

    January 30, 2014 at 15:26

    Prices inflate and Pirates Laugh as it all for free..

    Reply

  40. guest

    January 30, 2014 at 15:29

    In light of this horrible new, this is what I’m thinking…
    Dark Souls 2 for the first half of the year, Destiny for the second half and the backlog and PSN+ for when you get tired of those two.
    That just might get me through…maybe.

    Reply

  41. b1nd3r

    January 30, 2014 at 15:40

    and we say thanks to all the useless workers striking for more money but doing nothing useful to earn it. 🙂 well come to SA about to be rated second on the continent >.<

    Reply

  42. WalkingShadowHourUponTheStage

    January 30, 2014 at 15:41

    To all you dolts talking about piracy as an option. I really hope you have some hardcore anti-virus and anti-spyware on your machines. Well actually I don’t, so maybe their might be some consequences for you.

    Reply

  43. PiratePiet

    January 30, 2014 at 17:47

    Aaaargh me matey!

    Reply

  44. BenderIsGreat34

    January 30, 2014 at 17:48

    I’m not from SA, so I don’t know the norm for you guys. What do you typically pay for a game?

    Reply

    • Gavin Mannion

      January 31, 2014 at 06:15

      We don’t get a set standard like the UK and US unfortunately but at the moment we average around say R600 to R700 which is around $53 to $60 so we are doing okay at the moment.

      Reply

      • BenderIsGreat34

        January 31, 2014 at 08:31

        I live in the middle of the U.S., and we pay $65 after taxes. I believe that to be too much for what we usually get in return. I would definitely feel for you guys if you end up paying more than that.

        Reply

        • HvR

          January 31, 2014 at 08:47

          I think to top end is R800, but these games were imported months ago. At the time rand was 15% to 20% stronger so we probably pay closer to $60 to $80.

          But relative to our salaries it is more; I know for instance if I do my job in the US my salary would double.

          So relative to our income you double game prices for a true comparison; effectively $120 to $160.

          Reply

          • BenderIsGreat34

            January 31, 2014 at 09:41

            ick. Well if our government wasn’t so f-ed up right now, Id say come on over. I’d green card marriage every one of you mofos. Sorry that I can’t.

  45. Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

    January 31, 2014 at 08:39

    Time to start printing my micronation’s currency, The Rietvlei Piesang Skill (RPS). Currently, I’m thinking of trading 1 RPS for R100. It’s only fair don’t you think? Monopoly money for monopoly money 😀

    Reply

  46. Aussious

    January 31, 2014 at 13:23

    I suppose its time to take a well deserved gaming gap year and dust off a few classics.

    Reply

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