Sony seems to be testing dynamic pricing on PlayStation video games

A web site referred to as PSprices has been monitoring costs on Sony’s digital recreation retailer and observed one thing uncommon: some video games have been being provided at different prices to completely different customers. What’s extra, these provides are tracked within the PlayStation API with experiment identifiers like IPT_PILOT and IPT_OPR_TESTING.

Dynamic pricing is nothing new and is used throughout quite a lot of industries. But it’s typically met with backlash and isn’t sometimes present in on-line recreation shops. According to PSprices, Sony is operating A/B testing on costs for over 150 video games in 68 areas, although the US doesn’t presently look like a part of the experiment. For now, at the least, Sony isn’t toying with elevating costs. Instead, this system seems to supply reductions to pick customers, starting from 5 % to 17.5 %, on titles like Spider-Man 2, God of War, and Red Dead Redemption 2.

Still, even when Sony’s model of dynamic pricing is targeted on reducing prices for some customers, it’s possible to attract ire. Customers receiving a ten % low cost on Sid Meier’s Civilization VII most likely gained’t be thrilled after they discover out their next-door neighbor was provided 25 % off.

We reached out to Sony for remark, however have but to obtain a response.