Is there a reason that their pricing it at £10 more than Warbands original release?

[TripleThreat]

Why is it priced higher? Here are a few possible reasons..

• The game required a new engine to be developed
• The amount of people they needed the create the game has increased dramatically, includes:
  • Artists
  • Game Developers
  • Web Developers
  • Writers
  • QA Testers
  • Community managers
  • .. more
• The amount of time it has taken to create the game has increased
• Presumably the amount of marketing targeted for this game will increase

 

[World's Coolest Old Guy]

The vast improvements are an easy answer, though the one guy's comment about inflation also makes sense. Ten years does a lot to the value of a currency. I know you mentioned other franchises in another post, but let's remember that they were charging top dollar to begin with. Fallout 3 released for $50. Fallout 4 released for $60. Fallout 76 released at $60. They were all up at the top end of competitive pricing from the start. Warband, however, released on the low end of the spectrum at $30.

With a quality and content spike from one game to the next, it makes sense that the price would go up. Honestly I expected and was willing to pay $60 (and I'm below the poverty line by a slight margin!). Fallout 4 didn't really improve a lot from Fallout 3. It added a really fun construction and settlement mechanic, maybe improved the AI a little, and of course the quest locations were now randomized from run to run with Radiant quest. But that's about it.

Taken off a Steam post I made, here's a quick glimpse at new features in Bannerlord, and this is setting aside the huge improvement in visuals and system efficiency that allows for way more activity in scenes, both in and out of battle. Also excluding features that mods added to Warband, which is unfair to Bannerlord as mods shouldn't be accounted for due to them not having an impact on the price.

A quick, top-of-my-head list of features that will be in Bannerlord (and weren't in Warband), but don't exist in any mod I'm aware of:

- Weapon crafting and customization.

- Procedural quest generation based on the ever-shifting circumstances of the world during play.

- The entire clan system. Just the whole thing.

- Permadeath and heirs created through a genetics system utilizing facekeys.

- Upgradable defenses for castles and cities.

- Overhauled recruitment system derived from relationships formed with important NPCs.

- Formation-based command and deployment.

- Tiered AI, informed partially by the general's personality, allowing individual soldiers to exercise their own AI in the framework of larger formation-driven considerations, which in turn are executed within army-level strategies.

- Formation tactics (shield walls and so forth).

- Item necessities for powerful troop promotions.

- Persistent, activity-based economy that every NPC takes part in.

- The need for NPCs to recruit from the same pools of troops that you do.

- On-map campaign level representation of siege camps, town facilities, etc.

- Physics-based combat and damage calculation.

- Cloth and mane physics!

- A true day/night cycle with a physical sun, and global illumination to make it extra pretty.

- Keep battles in sieges, and enemies that will withdraw to inner defenses when outer positions are overrun.

- Conversational animations, which just plain look better, it's not necessarily a "feature".

- Siege engines. There are two mods I know of that did this. One was multiplayer only, and the other was limited in that it was only present in certain scenes, and always present in those scenes.

- Physically grounded production facilities that you have to compete with AI rivals for ownership of.

- Fief construction projects, allowing us to improve our fiefs and specialize their roles in our kingdom.

- Governor appointments.

- Execution mechanic.

- Crime and punishment tracking, adding immense depth to bandit gameplay.

- Overhauled village interactions including changes to village raids, the ability to forcefully recruit villagers, and the ability to do all this from caravans and roaming villager bands as well (all of which interacts with the aforementioned crime and punishment system).

- Campaign logistics, including...
- Food sharing
- The ability to butcher mounts and pack animals in case of emergency
- Forage party mechanics (which also adds a realistic depth to the campaign layer in that you can ambush forage parties to cut off a large army's food supply)
- Scorched earth tactics

- Improved siege mechanics that make investment matter while also tying into the new provisioning mechanics, making food all important for defending armies.

- Mechanics for breaking through sieges to get inside besieged castles, or attacking besieging armies from outside the walls in the actual siege scene.

- Personality and reputation systems for the character level, overhauling the way we interact and form bonds (or rivalries) with AI lords.

- A full-on persuasion system that interacts with that and introduces the concept of courtly negotiations.

And this doesn't even touch things I'm not sure will be in the game, like horse breeding, bandit gang mechanics (something I heard about but haven't seen in dev blogs for myself), and an endless supply of potential companions via random generation.

Compare these additions to the level of actual gameplay difference between base Fallout 3 and base Fallout 4, and see if you still think an extra $20 isn't warranted.

 

[Homeless_Pickle]

Right. So either rich enough to be willing to spend £200 for a game because you liked the predecessor, or you are wildly patriotic. It's pretty bs to be claiming that you'l lbuy something for such a high price. I mean ****, you rely more on water, lemme just price that at half a thousand. Yo uguys wouldn't complain right. "It would be 200€ i would buy it without hesitation. " you wouldn't hesitate to buy overly expensive stuff?

So far, the only reasons I got for the price increase was 1) All triple A games are **** and indies are priceless
2) If you arent willing to throw away your money cause your broke as ****, then you're not a real fan and shouldnt buy it
3) Even though I havent played Bannerlords campaign, and have no real evidence about its core gameplay to prove that its worth more, I would spend more than my rent, because i'm loyal and financialy stupid!

 

[morissettecristof]

Right. So either rich enough to be willing to spend £200 for a game because you liked the predecessor, or you are wildly patriotic. It's pretty bs to be claiming that you'l lbuy something for such a high price. I mean ****, you rely more on water, lemme just price that at half a thousand. Yo uguys wouldn't complain right. "It would be 200€ i would buy it without hesitation. " you wouldn't hesitate to buy overly expensive stuff?

So far, the only reasons I got for the price increase was 1) All triple A games are **** and indies are priceless
2) If you arent willing to throw away your money cause your broke as ****, then you're not a real fan and shouldnt buy it
3) Even though I havent played Bannerlords campaign, and have no real evidence about its core gameplay to prove that its worth more, I would spend more than my rent, because i'm loyal and financialy stupid!

You must not be very good at reading. It's also embarrassing that anyone needs to explain to you why the price of a new product has increased from it's predecessor 10 years ago.

 

[TripleThreat]

Right. So either rich enough to be willing to spend £200 for a game because you liked the predecessor, or you are wildly patriotic. It's pretty bs to be claiming that you'l lbuy something for such a high price. I mean ****, you rely more on water, lemme just price that at half a thousand. Yo uguys wouldn't complain right. "It would be 200€ i would buy it without hesitation. " you wouldn't hesitate to buy overly expensive stuff?

So far, the only reasons I got for the price increase was 1) All triple A games are **** and indies are priceless
2) If you arent willing to throw away your money cause your broke as ****, then you're not a real fan and shouldnt buy it
3) Even though I havent played Bannerlords campaign, and have no real evidence about its core gameplay to prove that its worth more, I would spend more than my rent, because i'm loyal and financialy stupid!

If you're so unsure if the £10 extra for this release is worth it or not; I highly recommend you just wait until the game is released and you can watch some videos of the actual gameplay.

I personally see no issue with the slight price increase based on the features promised.

 

[Younes]

Right. So either rich enough to be willing to spend £200 for a game because you liked the predecessor, or you are wildly patriotic. It's pretty bs to be claiming that you'l lbuy something for such a high price. I mean ****, you rely more on water, lemme just price that at half a thousand. Yo uguys wouldn't complain right. "It would be 200€ i would buy it without hesitation. " you wouldn't hesitate to buy overly expensive stuff?

So far, the only reasons I got for the price increase was 1) All triple A games are **** and indies are priceless
2) If you arent willing to throw away your money cause your broke as ****, then you're not a real fan and shouldnt buy it
3) Even though I havent played Bannerlords campaign, and have no real evidence about its core gameplay to prove that its worth more, I would spend more than my rent, because i'm loyal and financialy stupid!

Except the game is not $200, its $50. $50 Is not even a days work.

 

[R4MPZY]

Is there a reason Bannerlord should be at 30£?

 

[DirtySanchez]

I mean, I am in love with this franchise and I am so god damn hyped for bannerlord...but £40 is alot. Especially considering that warband was £10 less, and very hyped for it's time. I thought they'd make the same price range as they always had, however, it's suddenly so god damn expensive, I feel like it's an EA game.

The very first response to your thread gave the correct answer.......10 years of inflation. Your money is worth less than it was 10 years ago. Due to the way the world's financial system works your money loses value at a pretty steady rate. TW has priced their game competitively with other games being released currently. Look at the price of pretty much any good or service over the last 100 years and you'll see what I'm talking about. 1 ounce of gold in 1920 = $25...1 ounce of gold in 2020 = $1600. That is a good representation of how much value your money loses. In 2030 the average game will likely cost $75, but everything else will be more expensive too.

TW doesn't price BL more than WB because "its better", they price it that way because they have to pay their employees a wage and $40 is the average price people will pay for a game.

 

[Mabons]

If you're so **** poor that a 10 pound increase in price puts it out of your price range then you probably shouldn't be buying games in the first place. If you want my advice, save a pound a day and eventually in 50 days you will have the money you need to buy the game. If you can't do that either then it sounds like you wouldn't be able to afford it at all regardless of price.

 

[Crotiz]

In my opinion... 10 pounds is a decent meal, and I would happily sacrifice one meal to pay taleworlds some extra money.

 

[World's Coolest Old Guy]

Right. So either rich enough to be willing to spend £200 for a game because you liked the predecessor, or you are wildly patriotic. It's pretty bs to be claiming that you'l lbuy something for such a high price. I mean ****, you rely more on water, lemme just price that at half a thousand. Yo uguys wouldn't complain right. "It would be 200€ i would buy it without hesitation. " you wouldn't hesitate to buy overly expensive stuff?

So far, the only reasons I got for the price increase was 1) All triple A games are **** and indies are priceless
2) If you arent willing to throw away your money cause your broke as ****, then you're not a real fan and shouldnt buy it
3) Even though I havent played Bannerlords campaign, and have no real evidence about its core gameplay to prove that its worth more, I would spend more than my rent, because i'm loyal and financialy stupid!

... £200 is more than your rent? How fast can I move to Britain?

Also, RE: 3, there are several campaign videos out there right now that show new features I can see I'll deeply enjoy. Character interaction is far more organic. Drafting troops is now done by building relationships with important people, which not only feels right, but gives you something to compete with other lords over. Siege investment is a thing now, and it's glorious. Hell, I'd pay $2 just for the new influence mechanics and the ability for armies that travel together to coagulate into a single body. All that, at the very least, has already been shown.

 

[Cpt.Braca]

Is there a reason that their pricing it at £10 more than Warbands original release?

I feel like this has been covered, but I will bullet point the information for convenience:
1- Inflation, devaluing of your money over time.
2- A more expensive development, more people, more wages - higher cost.
3- Honestly a company can charge what they please for their product, you either agree to their price and buy it or you dont and don't buy it. That's literally how money/buying/selling works?

Adressing the other issues:
1-I'm not trying to be rude or elitist but if £10 put's this game utterly out of your price range, (and £40 is an entirely reasonable price, I was expecting £49.99 minimum), perhaps this game should not be high up your priorities/concern list?
2-Other solutions to the price include;
~Waiting til later and it's a more affordable price for you a few years down the line (when its older and maybe on sale?)
~Maybe make a little savings chart to try and budget this extra £10.
~If you simply must have it on release and cannot afford the extra £10, then ask a mate to borrow a tenner? Pay him/her back later.
3-If your rent is less than £200 then please let everyone know where because that is crazy cheap??? Mine was £875 plus council tax and bills, just last year!

Either way, I know it might not feel like it's a fair price to you, but it is. Every other person on this thread is in agreement that it's more than fair.... And in the years of lurking on the dev updates forums etc to see people in such agreement it very rare indeed.

 

[deuxhero]

Warband was a stand alone expansion pack, Bannerlord is a full sequel.

 

[Homeless_Pickle]

Is there a reason that their pricing it at £10 more than Warbands original release?

I feel like this has been covered, but I will bullet point the information for convenience:
1- Inflation, devaluing of your money over time.
2- A more expensive development, more people, more wages - higher cost.
3- Honestly a company can charge what they please for their product, you either agree to their price and buy it or you dont and don't buy it. That's literally how money/buying/selling works?

Adressing the other issues:
1-I'm not trying to be rude or elitist but if £10 put's this game utterly out of your price range, (and £40 is an entirely reasonable price, I was expecting £49.99 minimum), perhaps this game should not be high up your priorities/concern list?
2-Other solutions to the price include;
~Waiting til later and it's a more affordable price for you a few years down the line (when its older and maybe on sale?)
~Maybe make a little savings chart to try and budget this extra £10.
~If you simply must have it on release and cannot afford the extra £10, then ask a mate to borrow a tenner? Pay him/her back later.
3-If your rent is less than £200 then please let everyone know where because that is crazy cheap??? Mine was £875 plus council tax and bills, just last year!

Either way, I know it might not feel like it's a fair price to you, but it is. Every other person on this thread is in agreement that it's more than fair.... And in the years of lurking on the dev updates forums etc to see people in such agreement it very rare indeed.

Yeah, I suppose I'm being a cheapskate, but unfortunately, I can't go around spending too much, and as crazy as it seems, that is my limit. I usually rely on steam summer sales anyway. Also, in terms of rent. I share a flat with three friends and we split rent. So...I feel like its not an unreasonable price, but you didn't know that, so fair enough. And also I imagine you have some sort of financial help from a parent right? I can't get that.

I have played games all my life. And was just honestly wondering why there's been a pricing change. As much as I wish I could, I have a pretty tight plan for my money. But seriously, the amount that people are saying they'd spend for banner-lord, doesn't make me feel cheap about this, but makes me feel like they live pretty well off.
So **** it. Ill just wait for a summersale.

 

[Mabons]

But seriously, the amount that people are saying they'd spend for banner-lord, doesn't make me feel cheap about this, but makes me feel like they live pretty well off.

I think most of them are easily exaggerating. Yeah I love Mount&Blade games but that still doesn't mean I'm parting with £200 just to play it. £40 is reasonable.

You'll also be waiting a while for a summer sale, I doubt it will go on sale while in early access so you'll likely have to wait till next summer after a hopeful full release.

 

[Cpt.Braca]

Yeah, I suppose I'm being a cheapskate, but unfortunately, I can't go around spending too much, and as crazy as it seems, that is my limit. I usually rely on steam summer sales anyway. Also, in terms of rent. I share a flat with three friends and we split rent. So...I feel like its not an unreasonable price, but you didn't know that, so fair enough. And also I imagine you have some sort of financial help from a parent right? I can't get that.

I have played games all my life. And was just honestly wondering why there's been a pricing change. As much as I wish I could, I have a pretty tight plan for my money. But seriously, the amount that people are saying they'd spend for banner-lord, doesn't make me feel cheap about this, but makes me feel like they live pretty well off.
So **** it. Ill just wait for a summersale.

It's not necessarily being a cheapskate, I know what it's like to have limited funds and want to play lots of games. Then the issue is compounded by value/quality of game when so many releases tend to be terrible cash grabs (EA/ Current Bethesda/ Ubisoft). Heck I still buy most my games on Steam Sales or something, with a few exceptions for games I believe to be worth it (typically maybe 1 or 2 games a year, full price). It's an understandalbe dilemma if you've been there. (No, never a penny from parents). In context your rent makes sense, so I apologise for any offense.

I agree the speculated 'I'd pay £XYZ' is hyperbole, or a little on the crazy side. Myself I'd cap out at maybe £65ish, beyond that and I'd want a finished polished masterpiece, with more bells and whistles than is realistic.
Although you might not get to play it the end of this month there is good news. When you get it you will have the whole shebang, hopefully us lot will have encountered all the bugs and gotten them reported and Taleworlds will have them fixed too.
Your first experience of Bannerlord will be a complete one.

 

[monoolho]

Except the game is not $200, its $50. $50 Is not even a days work.

What sort of work are you talking about? As a teacher, I have to work a whole week to earn that amount. (I do not earn in dollars)

 

[Younes]

What sort of work are you talking about? As a teacher, I have to work a whole week to earn that amount. (I do not earn in dollars)

I'm talking about the average consumer here. Who mostly come from Europe in mount and blade.

If you can't afford it because you live in a third world country then yeah, it is expensive. But games are considered a form of entertainment so not much we can do about it

 

[gospell]

What sort of work are you talking about? As a teacher, I have to work a whole week to earn that amount. (I do not earn in dollars)

Don't worry man, i am sure will be regional prices for your country.

 

[monoolho]

I'm talking about the average consumer here. Who mostly come from Europe in mount and blade.

If you can't afford it because you live in a third world country then yeah, it is expensive. But games are considered a form of entertainment so not much we can do about it

Im not complaining, nor am i worried about the price. Its the absolute state of things as it has always been. Im objectively curious about your job that pays at least 50 bucks a day. I could make do with that.