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why do fromsoft games never go on sale ?

### Why Do FromSoftware Games Rarely Go on Sale?

#### Introduction
For fans of the Dark Souls and Elden Ring franchises, the absence of significant discounts on FromSoftware’s games can feel a bit unjust. Elden Ring’s success has brought many new players to the Souls series, yet these classic games rarely drop to big discounts on platforms like Steam. Here’s a dive into the reasons why you might rarely see these beloved titles discounted.

#### The Economics of Success
One primary reason often cited for FromSoftware’s reluctance to discount their older games is simple economics. The Souls series, starting with Dark Souls, has developed a dedicated player base. This core audience continues to purchase these titles at full price for several reasons:
– They are expecting new content and are intrigued by the lore and quality of the series.
– Players often buy remastered versions or take advantage of bundles that include various FromSoftware titles.
– There’s a sense of exclusivity associated with having the earlier games of the series as they were originally released.

With Elden Ring’s launch and the surge of new players discovering the Souls formula, the demand for Dark Souls, Sekiro to Shadows Die Twice, and Bloodborne remains strong. Therefore, FromSoftware and their publishers see no immediate need to reduce prices to stimulate sales.

#### Steady Game Sales
Take Dark Souls Remastered as an example. Even after the release of other titles in the series, Remastered consistently sells well by itself. If a game has a strong player base and continues to generate sales regularly, publishers are less likely to place it on deep discount. The same principle can be applied to other FromSoftware titles.

#### Temporal Release Cycles
One of the posts on Reddit noted that games often go on sale during big platform-wide sales like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the Holidays. It’s not that these titles _never_ go on sale. However, they do not frequently experience the dramatic price reductions seen with other games. When they do drop in price, these sales are often minimal, around 25% to 33%.

This strategic pricing helps maintain a balance where both the publisher and developer secure a steady revenue stream and players can quickly jump into the latest games without feeling undervalued.

#### Competitive Pricing and Promotions
Within the gaming industry, competition plays a significant role. FromSoftware’s titles are high-quality experiences, and players see them as worthy expenses. Moreover, some regions might experience different pricing strategies. In the U.S., for instance, many titles do see discounts, sometimes even hitting 75% off, but this is more the exception rather than the rule for FromSoftware titles.

#### Bandai Namco’s Selling Patterns
FromSoftware is owned by Bandai Namco, a company known for its consistent pricing strategies. Bandai Namco famously kept prices stable for Dark Souls for many years. However, post-Elden Ring, the company seems even more cautious about significant price drops. This could align with a strategy to maximize the value perceived by fans, much like Nintendo games, which rarely go on sale.

#### Why Not Go Bigger on Discounts?
Many think that discounted prices could introduce more players to the Souls series. However, this can lead to a devaluation of the brand in the eyes of fans and established players. Discounting heavily can signal that a game is no longer supported or relevant, which works against marketing efforts for newer titles like Elden Ring.

#### Conclusion
In summary, many factors contribute to the rarity of discounts for FromSoftware games. From maintaining steady sales and perceived value to strategic pricing across platforms, the decision-making behind these high shelf prices appears to be grounded in sound economic logic. To get the latest deals, keeping an eye on Steam sales pages or using sites like IsThereAnyDeal can be incredibly helpful. Whether these games are worth buying full price depends on your personal view of their value and the continued high quality of the series.

While it might seem like FromSoftware games hardly go on sale, understanding the commercial and brand strategies behind it sheds light on why these decisions are likely made. Whether you’re new to the series or a seasoned fan, keeping an eye on sales during big events like the holiday season might help you find a good opportunity to dive right into one of these fantastic games.

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This blog post provides an in-depth look at the reasons behind the relative rarity of FromSoftware game discounts, combining insights from various Reddit threads, articles, and gaming news sites. Feel free to reach out with any questions or if you want to dive deeper into any of these points!