Games RRP increase on the cards?

Gamers could face an unwelcome price hike at some stage this year as the price of procuring polycarbonate – a key material in the disc manufacturing process – continues to rise.

DigiTimes reports that wholesale prices remained static throughout 2009 despite the increasing manufacturing costs, However, should the price of polycarbonate continue its rise in 2010 many Taiwanese disc makers are expected to increase their trade prices.

The news could put further strain on boxed retail video games sales.

Should consumers see an increase in the off-the-shelf price on the High Street it could yet provide another blow in retail’s continuing efforts to fend off the rise of digital purchases.