Hooded Horse’s CEO explained on Reddit the reason behind Manor Lords’ elusive pricing. Read on to find out why they’ve yet to release the price, the dark nature of Steam key trafficking, and how fans are responding to his statement.
Manor Lords' Missing Pricing
Manor Lords’ Pricing Will Vary by Region
Hooded Horse’s CEO Tim Bender took to Reddit to address concerns regarding Manor Lords’ pricing strategy and the absence of a publicly announced price. Bender began by shedding light on the complexity of pricing for games on Steam, emphasizing that Manor Lords will not have a single, uniform price across all regions. Instead, the game will employ regional pricing, taking into account factors such as local currencies, economic realities, and purchasing power parity.
The decision not to disclose the price in advance stems from a desire to prevent misunderstandings. Bender expressed concern that sharing the US price alone could lead individuals in other regions to believe the game is unaffordable for them. By waiting until the release, Hooded Horse aims to provide clarity and ensure that pricing is fair and accessible globally.
Additionally, Bender addressed the issue of unauthorized pre-orders and gray market practices. He warned against fraudulent websites falsely claiming to offer pre-orders for Manor Lords keys. These sites, according to Bender, have no affiliation with Hooded Horse and may engage in deceptive practices to capitalize on the game's popularity. By refraining from announcing a price prematurely, the publisher hopes to mitigate the increase of such scams and protect players from potential exploitation.
Key Pass Scams On Steam Cited as One of Reasons
In recent years, Steam has become a prime target for malicious individuals and fraudulent enterprises seeking to exploit unsuspecting gamers. At the heart of these scams are Steam keys, unique codes issued by developers or publishers that grant access to a specific game on Steam. These keys are typically distributed to authorized retailers, bundled with physical copies of games, or provided as part of promotional campaigns.
Fraudsters have found ways to obtain these keys through illicit means, such as hacking, phishing, purchasing them with stolen credit card information, or simply lying that they have Steam keys. Once in possession of fraudulent keys, scammers engage in unauthorized reselling, peddling them to gamers at discounted prices. This fraudulent activity not only deprives developers and publishers of rightful revenue but also exposes consumers to a range of risks, including the potential for revoked or deactivated keys, loss of funds, and even legal repercussions.
Scammers have become adept at producing counterfeit Steam keys, which they sell through various online marketplaces. These fake keys are often indistinguishable from legitimate ones, making it difficult for consumers to discern the authenticity of their purchases. As a result, many gamers unwittingly fall victim to these scams, lured by the promise of lower prices and seemingly legitimate sellers.
Manor Lords’ decision to refrain from publicly announcing the game’s price demonstrates a genuine concern for the well-being of its community. By prioritizing consumer protection and being committed to ethical business practices, Hooded Horse has enhanced its own reputation.
Fans’ Reaction To Fair Pricing
- [1] Image taken from reddit
Bender reassured fans that Hooded Horse is committed to fair pricing practices. He emphasized that the company has never adopted AAA pricing models for its games and has no intentions of doing so with Manor Lords. Furthermore, Bender revealed that the game will launch with a discounted price during its Early Access phase, as the publisher has done with previous titles. This discount, ranging from 10% to 25%, will be available for the first few weeks after release, ensuring that players receive a fair deal.
Comments such as "This is why people like you," "Actual decent and intelligent communication and discourse with customers and fans," and "Other game developers should take note from these guys. This is how you handle a release," reflect the positive reception from players eagerly waiting for the release of Manor Lords.
Source:
[1]Manor Lords Pricing on Reddit
Steam Key Scams Explained
this shit is still too expensive for what it is