We all knew that the first time we broke down and spent $60 on a game, the floodgates would open and we would atone our sin at the checkout for th rest of our lives. We admitted that the companies had the power, and we were but weak, desperate gamers itching for a fix of HD graphics. Next Generation has actually done the math behind that sick feeling in your stomach, confirming that $60 is the new $50, and that $50+ is the new average.

Their conclusions:

1. Prior to 2007, the average prices for the top 20 games was around $40-$43.
2. During the first half of 2007, prices for the top 20 games has been around $46-$49, without including Guitar Hero II. With Guitar Hero II, included prices are measurably above $50.
3. As the Xbox 360 library expands, it will claim more and more high-priced games in the top 20 list.
4. As Wii games replace PlayStation 2 games in the charts, it will keep the floor of console game prices right at $50.
5. The last two points will together force the average price of top selling games well above $50 in the near future.
6. The only downward pressure on average game prices is coming from the Nintendo DS.

They argue that GHII and Gears of War were the first $60+ games to up the ante in the average price of the top 20 games, but as of 2007 the charts have flooded with $60 titles continuing the price growth.

In the past few months, just the top 10 titles have represented around 30% of all software sales. So in other words, every $60 game in the top 10 has a massive impact on averages—with the only effective counterbalance being $35 titles from the DS.

How Game Prices Are Shooting Higher [nextgeneration]

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