I am going to wait until the price drops or I loot a bank!
Many people say that PS4 is worth 40k! I disagree!
We all know that one of the major selling point of the PS4 has been its affordability. I mean it’s just $399 in US. It’s so bloody cheap. However, Sony loses this advantage over here in India cause it costs $239 more due to customs, taxes etc ( that’s Sony’s Explanation) . Mysteriously, the price of PS4 games in India have also hiked, which are being sold for nearly INR 1000 more than PS3 games.( while both PS3 & PS4 games costs the same in U.S, usually $60) . Explain that with customs! ; )
Now, when Sony first launched its PS3 consoles, It was selling them at a huge loss margin. PS3 launched at $599 and Sony was at a loss of over $300 per console.
Why did Sony sell them at a loss? Because Sony knew that the console was too expensive. Sony wanted to make it’s user base. Sony knew that it can compensate and ultimately make profit with selling licenses and games. And they even did!
The picture is completely different for PS4! Although the PS4 is also being sold at a loss, the margin is very thin. Sony said that as long as the user buys atleast 1 game along with an annual PS+ subscription, they will be at profit. This can be easily achieved since multiplayer requires a PS+ subscription on PS4. It’s fair to say that Sony is actually making profit with the PS4.
Now, given the expensive price of PS4 in India, what do Sony do about it?
It doesn’t give a damn! Screw Indian gamers or Indian gaming market is their attitude. ( Compare this to how Sony responded when PS3 was too expensive in US) . Sony doesn’t care about its userbase in India because it’s still in minority.
Many people would ask.so what? Sony is a corporate driven business company. Making profit is their primary goal. Being nice to gamers is secondary. I would agree with them too. But I find it very unsettling. Why you ask? Here’s why.
From the very moment since PS4 was announced Sony had tried to create this image for themselves where they portray themselves as pro-gamers. From supporting & funding Indie devs to allowing used game on their system. Being able to play their console offline.etc. They have tried to act as a very Gamer friendly company. And not giving a damn for Indian gamers leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Its Hypocrisy! It makes me wonder, whether Sony has been actually nice to gamers or Whether Sony had just been lucky!