The situation and who is impacted?

Video Games are one of the biggest means of entertainment in the world, especially here in Canada and the United States of America. Before the 2020s, hardware and software were set at prices while a lot to spend, were affordable and products offered more in return. Anyone could buy and enjoy games at relatively low costs, making it one of the most accessible and worthwhile hobbies to get into. However now, gamers, especially those in Canada and the US-especially students, low-income families, and young adults-are being priced out of video games with inflated prices. While other regions like India enjoy competitive pricing and frequent discounts, Americans and Canadians often face prices that range between $70-$100 or CAD 89.99-CAD 120 for software. Hardware is worse as Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo charges anywhere between $500 to $800 and $1000 for consoles like the Xbox Series X, the PlayStation 5 and PS5 PRO, the Nintendo Switch 1 and 2. For Canadians, prices can range between CAD 510 to CAD 1500, when including features like a disk drive or higher storage capacity. While consumers are forced to invest half of their livelihoods on products provided by the respected companies,  the value for money has dropped, with games releasing unfinished, hardware shipped without staple features like the disk drive, heavy monetization after passing the purchase price (Call Of Duty, EA games, Destiny 2 DLCs etc.), ownership becoming more scarce as access to games is more of owning a license key just to play games, even if they are single player. Take into addition, console platforms charge consumers to play online, either through PS PLUS, Nintendo Switch Online or Xbox Live (now Xbox Game Pass Essential), with the over saturation of subscription services, not just from the big three but also from big publishers, i.e. Ubisoft, Rockstars, Activision Blizzard and Bethesda, with subscription prices also being abused (which are not physical goods or services, not affected by tariffs or other economic conditions, aside from few exemptions in certain countries with different economic policies for software products), many consumers are unfairly burdened on video game prices. These predatory practices towards consumers, excludes those passionate about the interactive art, from accessing new releases, pushing loyal or/and long time fans, deepening the economic inequality in digital entertainment. 

The Stakes?

If the trend continues, gaming will become a hobby reserved only for few. The shared cultural experience the industry had during the 6th and 7th generation will be shattered with more gamers being priced out. Especially those in Canada and the United States, gamers are at risk of being left behind in the ever growing gaming industry, esports culture, and creative community events. The goal of this petition, is to stop the abuse of pricing, bring back fairness, quality, and the fun aspects of gaming culture. By signing this petition it will push the government of not just Canada or the United States, but every nation, to take a deep look into pushing fair pricing, regional parity, and lessening the predatory nature towards consumers-ensuring gaming remains accessible and vibrant for all classes.

It Is Up To Us

The rise of digital storefronts, globalization of the games industry, and increased awareness of regional disparities, now is the moment to demand change. To stop big cooperation from abusing their pricing power. To ensure the platforms are listening-especially when the entire gaming community unites and speaks out. By signing this petition, you are calling on game developers, distributors and retailers to stop the price abuse of games, not just in Canada or the United States, but the entire gaming world. Restoring fairness, quality and overall  fun in the gaming landscape.