In what many gamers are calling a "scary" announcement by Sony CEO Kaz Hirai, a recent interview with PSM Magazine suggests that prices for PS3 games will be higher than the already inflated Xbox 360 game prices. Since the launch of Xbox 360, we've all grown accustomed to the $39 - $59 price range for new Xbox 360 titles. When Sony was asked if PS3 titles would be priced in the same range as Xbox 360 games, Kaz replied:

"Generally Speaking, over the past twelve years or so, there has been a consumer expectation that disc-based games are maybe $59 on the high end to $39 on the low end. So, what I can say now is, I think it would be a bit of a stretch to think that we could suddenly turn around and say "PS3 Games now $99.99." I don't think consumers expect software pricing to suddenly double.

So, the quick answer is that we want to make it as affordable as possible, knowing that there is a set consumer expectation for what software has cost for the past twelve years. That's kind of the best answer I can give you. So, if it becomes a bit higher than $59, don't ding me, but, again, I don't expect it to be $100."

No doubt the reason for the increase in price is in part due to the more expensive Blu-ray media that developers must use. If each disc costs even just 10 dollars more to manufacture, this cost will be passed onto the consumer, it seems. Game developers are already complaining about the huge costs involved in game production, so they're not going to take any profit cuts. And Sony will be too busy trying to recoup their losses on the PS3 hardware.

Would you pay US$70 - 80 for one PS3 game?