Rock Band lead designer speaks on Europe pricing

If you’re feeling rather disturbed about the European pricing of Rock Band (Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii), then you might want to listen up. Harmonix design director and Rock Band designer Rob Kay recently spoke about the game’s the introductory price in the region. Head on over to the full article to find out what  he had to say.

It seems that quite a number of people have been apprehensive about the pricing of Rock Band (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii) in Europe.

That’s pretty understandable considering the game is currently going for US$ 169 (£ 85/ € 107) in North America but will be available in Europe for £ 180 and € 240 (around US$ 354 and US$ 379 respectively).

Harmonix design director and Rock Band lead designer Rob Kay defended the introductory price saying that while the game’s cost is a bit on the pricey side, it’s worth it:

The combined price, if you add all that up and decide you want that full experience, is quite high. It’s not something that is normal in videogames but Rock Band isn’t normal in videogames. This is an entirely new thing. What other game comes with three peripherals that are all different? It just makes sense for the experience we’re trying to deliver.

As for why the price is higher than that in the U.S., Kay noted that this is due to the Value Added Tax as well as the higher price of consumer electronics in the region. He added that “these are definitely not excuses so much as contributing reasons.”

Kay said that he understands that some consumers may be “a bit put off” by the price of Rock Band. He pointed out that gamers on a budget might want to consider purchasing just one instrument or a microphone separately.

Interestingly enough, Play.com has announced that it will be reducing the instrument pack cost down to £ 99 (around US$ 195 or € 123 ) and the game itself to £ 41(around US$ 81 or € 51). This puts the total package price at around US$ 204, give or take.

Buy: [Rock Band (Xbox 360)]
Buy: [Rock Band (PS3)]
Buy: [Rock Band (Wii)]

Via Eurogamer