Microsoft Testing Xbox One Digital Discounts With 'Ryse: Son of Rome'

Game Rant

By Anthony Taormina

Published Feb 17, 2014

Starting tomorrow, gamers will be able to purchase a digital version of 'Ryse: Son of Rome' for $39.99 as part of Microsoft's early test of digital discounts.

As we move ever closer to an all-digital future for game purchases, there are some big changes on the horizon. And while some of those changes might require some getting used to, like how to share or rent games, there are some really exciting possibilities as well.

One such possibility that publishers seem to be exploring already involves cheaper prices for digital games. Both Microsoft and Sony have said that they would like to offer all of their digital versions next-gen games at a discount, and the first phase of that new approach has apparently begun.

Earlier today, Microsoft announced their plan to test out a digital discount on their Xbox One title Ryse: Son of Rome. From February 18th to the 24th, Crytek Studios' stunning visual showpiece will retail for $39.99 on the Microsoft Games Store.

Said deal will be available to both North American and UK gamers (£34.99) starting tomorrow, and will be the first of hopefully many tests. Microsoft Studio Manager Mike Ybarra confirmed that the discount was a direct response to gamers seeker better pricing on digital games. Unfortunately, Ybarra wouldn't say whether or not the test would eventually include additional Xbox One releases like Dead Rising 3 or Forza Motorsport 5.

This Ryse: Son of Rome discount couldn't have come at a better time for Crytek's latest, as the title is gearing up for the release of its next DLC pack, the Mars' Chosen Pack, on February 28th. The pack includes new maps, a new character skin, and it adds a new Survival Mode to Ryse's multiplayer experience.

As far as digital discounts go, this is a great start for Microsoft, and the hope is that Sony will follow suit. These discounts are not on the same scale as, say, a Steam sale, but, again, this is still relatively early for Microsoft. In the past, both Microsoft and Sony have offered surprisingly great discounts on their digital titles, even relatively new releases.

Ideally, gamers would like to see Xbox One and PS4 titles offered at a digital discount on release date, and that is still likely something publishers are considering. For now, the first test discount is on its way. After that? Who knows.

Is Ryse: Son of Rome's test price tag what you were hoping for when talk of digital discounts first broke? What type of pricing structure would you like to see on digital releases?

Source: Eurogamer