Sony announces prices for first-party PS3 games

Sony has announced pricing plans for first-party PlayStation 3 titles, revealing that disc-based games will cost EUR 59.99 / GBP 39.99 at launch.

Launch titles will include Motorstorm, Resistance: Fall of Man, Genji and Ridge Racer 7, plus Formula One Championship Edition. They will cost AUD 99.95 in Australia and NZD 109.95 in New Zealand, where PS3 is also launching on March 23.

Sony also hinted at pricing for downloadable games such as BlastFactor, flOw and Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection, which will be available via the PlayStation Network service. For an "introductory period", they will cost between EUR 2.99 and EUR 9.99.

Downloadable content will start at EUR 0.99, rising according to what's on offer. According to Sony, content "could range from a new SingStar track to a premium pack for MotorStorm" including a new track, extra vehicles and multiplayer modes.

SCEE boss David Reeves commented, "Not only will it be completely free to register on the PlayStation Network with no subscription fees and access to many free demos, but with these competitive prices for additional content we are able to offer the consumer both top quality games on Blu-ray discs and a whole range of downloadable content.

"With over 30 first and third party disc and network games available at launch, we are confident that this will be one of the most successful launches of all time."

By pricing its games at GBP 39.99, Sony is undercutting Microsoft when it comes to first-party titles - Xbox 360 games have an official RRP of GBP 49.99. Games for the Nintendo Wii, however, also cost GBP 39.99.