You’re correct! Skull and Bones did experience a significant price drop shortly after its release. Here’s a breakdown of the situation:
Initial Price and Release:
Skull and Bones was initially released on February 16, 2024, with a price tag of $69.99 (USD) on PC and consoles.
This price point was considered high by some players, especially considering the game’s focus on live-service elements and potential microtransactions.
Price Drop:
Less than three weeks after release, on March 2nd, 2024, major retailers like Best Buy and UK retailer Hit offered the game for a significantly reduced price of:
$44.99 (USD) for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions.
£49.85 for the UK retail version.
Reasoning Behind the Drop:
The exact reasons behind Ubisoft’s decision to reduce the price so quickly haven’t been officially revealed. However, some possible explanations include:
Lower-than-expected sales: The initial price point might have deterred potential buyers, leading to lower-than-anticipated sales figures.
Addressing player feedback: The high price tag received criticism from some players who felt it wasn’t justified for a game with live-service aspects.
Boosting player base: Lowering the price could have been a strategic move to attract more players and increase the game’s overall player base.
Current Price:
As of today, October 26, 2023, the price of Skull and Bones can vary depending on the platform and retailer. Generally, the game is available for around $40-50 USD, reflecting the initial price drop.
Overall:
Skull and Bones experienced a notable price drop shortly after its release, likely influenced by various factors like sales figures, player feedback, and strategic decisions by the publisher. The current price remains lower than the initial launch price, making the game more accessible to a wider audience.