Wed, Aug 06, 2008 | 15:40 BST
Blow is “okay” with Braid pricing
Speaking on Braid’s official site, developer Jonathan Blow’s said that he’s not overly keen on Microsoft setting the price for the game at 1,200 MS Points, but he’ll suffer it.
My feeling was that Microsoft would price the game at 1200 no matter what I said; however, I never pushed them to that point. Late last week, Microsoft and I had a conversation where we talked about a bunch of issues and I agreed on the 1200 point price.
There are good reasons why I picked 1200 instead of 800 (I thought about writing them up today, but I’m not sure it’s really appropriate; I might, though, tonight. We’ll see how I feel about it later.)
The Reader’s Digest version is, I would have been perfectly happy with a launch price of 800 points. At 1200 points I am less happy, but I am okay with it.
You’ll make more money, dude. Try not to worry too much. Just keep focus on the helicopters and hookers. Thanks, Destructoid.
23 
Posted in: Platformer, Puzzler, Xbox 360, Xbox Live
Tags: braid, Jonathan Blow
23 comments
#1
Michael
06/08/08, 5:29 pm
I’ve heard extremely good things about this title. I’d definately say its worth the price tag either way.
#2
Psychotext
06/08/08, 6:45 pm
Tis excellent… or it would be if I could pull my missus off the damn thing. /o\
#3
Psychotext
07/08/08, 2:40 am
Seems to be selling pretty well from what I can see. Leaderboard numbers are going up pretty quickly and most of my friend’s list have grabbed it.
Reviewing well too, metacritic is up to a 90% average and 1up just gave it an A+
#4
Newbie101
07/08/08, 9:11 am
Should be 800, 1200 is a no buy which is a shame
.
#5
Spiral
07/08/08, 9:33 am
Played the demo last night. After the first world I happily paid the 1200 points, there’s some fantastic ideas and imagination in that one bit alone. I’ll go through the rest of it tonight, but what I’ve done so far has been worth a tenner on it’s own.
#6
patlike
07/08/08, 9:40 am
Deffo doing it this weekend. Heard nothing but good things since yesterday.
#7
Newbie101
07/08/08, 9:49 am
But 1200 points for a 3 hours long game? It’s a mental thing, just can’t get meself to do it.
#8
patlike
07/08/08, 9:53 am
That does seem like a lot, it’s true. But if you enjoy it that’s fine, I guess. I think.
#9
Psychotext
07/08/08, 11:21 am
Three hours long newbie? You must be a gaming god to finish all the puzzles that fast.
Besides that… do you even own a 360?
#10
DrDamn
07/08/08, 11:29 am
I liked the demo and am on the verge of getting it – but the MS involvement in the pricing and the general pricing of XBLA stuff does irk me a little. Really nice little title though. Much more a puzzler than a platformer.
#11
Newbie101
07/08/08, 11:30 am
I was basing that on the reviews I’ve read, the game is apparently between 3 and 5 hours long. Which is why I can’t bring myself to pay 1200.
I’m sure I bought Fable on Xbox Originals for 1200 points (or very close to that?), which lasts ten times longer. (yes its a full retail game but as its the same price, its allowed to be compared with it)
How long did it take you? You did it in a day didn’t you? The more people who buy 1200 XBLA games the more MS will sell them at 1200 points, that’s why you I won’t be buying it.
#12
Psychotext
07/08/08, 11:44 am
It took me about 7 hours to get every puzzle piece. That’s without using the guide that’s online or getting any help. I wouldn’t be surprised if the second reviewers got even slightly stuck they went right for the guide.
I was the 105th person in the world to finish it so my puzzle skills can’t have been that bad (especially as I was also working / doing other stuff). At that point the game had been available to download for about 13 hours.
Oh – and if you wanted to, you could finish it in under 45 mins, it’s one of the achievements. There’s no way anyone could do that on their first run through though.
#13
Trip SkyWay
07/08/08, 11:50 am
So far seems worth every penny, I don’t begrudge Mr Blow his extra 400 points.
#14
Psychotext
07/08/08, 11:55 am
Like I said in another thread… it’s £2.85. I can’t even buy lunch for that. \o/
#15
Psychotext
07/08/08, 3:51 pm
Haha… awesome, there’s hidden stars the I didn’t know about. Back to the game with me!
#16
Newbie101
07/08/08, 4:37 pm
Cool, *hugs 1200 points*.
M$
#17
Psychotext
08/08/08, 11:57 pm
Up t a 92% average on Metacritic now. Thoroughly deserved… I’ve spent the last couple of days finishing it and grabbing all the secrets.
Fantastic game. I recommend it to anyone that likes a good puzzler.
#18
epic_wanderer
09/08/08, 9:24 am
I got it too, I’m working my way through World 5 now but I’m about to go on holiday so I won’t be able to play it for a week. It’s great.
#19
Newbie101
14/08/08, 2:36 pm
I won’t say I told you so again but….
Once everyone pays for 1200 point games, they all come crashing down…..
http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/castle-crashers-priced-for-1200-ms-points/
#20
Psychotext
14/08/08, 2:44 pm
As you can see in the article, Castle Crashers was originally rumoured to be 1800 points… but I guess you can’t find £8 worth of value in this either right?
Seems like gaming might be too expensive a hobby for you.
#21
Blerk
14/08/08, 2:54 pm
Castle Crashers looks awesome! I love that guy’s art. I just wish I didn’t suck at their games.
#22
DrDamn
14/08/08, 2:59 pm
Having completed this (at least the main puzzle pieces) absolutely it’s worth 1200MSP. The problem being that a lot of similar games were already priced at 800MSP and putting a premium on a game because its good sets a dangerous precident.
Have you got the lowdown on the real story Psychotext? I.e. the meaning behind the game. I had it down as emo teenage angst crap at the start so lost interest – the real meaning is more impressive though – a good analysis is here – http://www.rllmukforum.com/index.php?showtopic=190136&st=0
#23
Psychotext
14/08/08, 3:23 pm
Yeah, it kinda clicked when I did the secret ending. Either that or she actually went ballistic.