NEW: Abubakar Salim Explains Why The Price of Games Should Remain Accessible

As a gamer, I didn’t have the best luck in terms of gaming technology during my upbringing. I was always a step behind, missing out on getting new games as they hit the shelves – instead, I’d acquire them second-hand much later. Recently, I shared this sentiment with Abubakar Salim at the BAFTA Games Awards, and it turns out he had a similar experience; for him, it was no more than a game or two per year, maximum.

He made a strong declaration on social media after learning about the pricing of the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console and its associated games. He explained that he had a solid reason for striving to release Tales of Kenzera: Zau, his first game from Surgent Studios, at a $20 price point.

Check out the full video interview here before jumping in:

‘Why Make it Harder?’

Some fans were taken aback when the price of the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 was unveiled last week, and the cost of its software left quite a few people speechless. It’s significantly higher than the original Nintendo Switch, making it pricier than what one usually anticipates for a console widely recognized as an affordable family platform.

Don’t fret – Nintendo suggests considering their original console launched in 2017 instead, if the cost of the Switch 2 is beyond your budget.

Don’t even get me started about GTA 6 and the $100 base price tag…

During our meeting at the BAFTA Games Awards in London, Abubakar and I reminisced about his old social media posts, revisiting memories from the past.

Reflecting on my childhood, it seems I had only a handful of games to choose from each year. Typically, I’d receive one or two, not many options at all.

Currently, I find myself with more leisure time, but I often ponder about today’s children and their play options. To be honest, our goal in setting Zau at $20 was to consider the cost of a common treat like pizza, something that brings friends together for fun and shared experiences. That was the thinking behind it.

It’s an exceptional observation: The anticipation for pre-ordering the Nintendo Switch 2 is extremely high right now, and it seems everyone who wants one is thinking about it. Already, some individuals are listing their pre-orders on eBay at inflated prices, which makes obtaining one even more challenging.

We then started discussing Nintendo’s position in the wider industry:

People kind of forget that accessibility also accounts to socio-economics – money, man.

Given our current challenging circumstances, let’s try to keep things manageable instead of setting unrealistic goals that may only raise the bar higher.

Absolutely, I found the price adjustments a little disappointing since Nintendo is known for its family-friendly games, making it a beloved choice within our family-oriented gaming genre. Essentially, it’s a family-focused platform.

Regarding the upcoming era, often referred to as ‘the next generation’, Abubakar stated, “I am certain that somewhere out there, a child will find inspiration in gaming and follow in my footsteps.

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2025-04-09 23:18