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Will tariffs impact game prices?
Will software and video games be affected by tariffs?
You shouldn’t expect to see a price increase for games soon to launch like DOOM: The Dark Ages.
Unlike physical goods, software and subscriptions likeXbox Game Passaren’t directly affected by tariffs.
However, tariffs could have ripple effects, affecting other parts of a game publisher’s business.
Developers need equipment like computers, servers, and more.
Imports and exports are the gargantuan bedrock of international trade.
All of this will make even digital-only games more expensive to develop and maintain.
However, since the US has proposed a 90-day pause,so has the European Commission… for now.
What do tariffs do?
Physical copies of games could potentially see price hikes due to tariffs.
Tariffs are a tax paid by a retailer or company importing a product, component, or material.
A country’s government might impose tariffs on another country for numerous reasons.
FAQ
How could tariffs possibly affect game prices?
Mario Kart World is $80, setting new precedent in the U.S. market.
While digital goods aren’t affected by tariffs, physical products are.
This could potentially impact physical editions of games, including already-pricey collector’s editions.
Physical games have to be printed, which requires labor and materials.
Will game prices go up anyway?
It’s entirely possible that we could see games get more expensive for reasons unrelated to tariffs.
Naturally, I’ll keep this updated with anything new I learn.
When will the tariffs end?
It’s important to emphasize that this situation is extraordinarily volatile.
Experts are confused, and details change before there’s time for analysis.
