Bulkhead is changing how players pay for Wardogs, the studio's upcoming shooter. The developer has introduced a price scaling model that increases the cost of the game as it matures. This approach shifts the financial risk from the studio to the buyer, rewarding early adopters with lower entry fees. Gamers who prefer to wait for a more complete product will face a higher price tag later.
Early access buyers pay $40 while later adopters face $60
Wardogs is a first-person shooter currently in early access. The game aims to deliver realistic graphics and gameplay mechanics. Bulkhead describes itself as a hybrid between an indie studio and a mid-sized AA developer. The studio head, Joe Brammer, emphasized that the development process requires significant financial investment.
The pricing structure is divided into three distinct tiers based on development milestones. The game launches at $39.99 for early access players. When Wardogs reaches version 0.5 in approximately one year, the price will rise to $49.99. A final increase to $59.99 is scheduled for about two years after the initial launch.
Brammer justified the tiered pricing by citing the high costs of creating realistic visuals and systems. He stated that the studio invests heavily in development and that the final price reflects that value. Players who do not agree with the initial cost are advised to wait for the full release. The studio suggests that those seeking a cheaper shooter can look elsewhere.
The pricing policy is now active for the early access launch. Bulkhead has confirmed the specific price points and the timeline for future increases. Early buyers secure the lowest price before the game expands with new content and features.
Source: IXBT
