In an unexpected turn of events, the recently discontinued video game Star Strike Attack has seen a dramatic surge in demand, with second-hand physical copies skyrocketing in price to as much as £10,000. The multiplayer third-person shooter, which was released less than two weeks ago, was forced to announce its shutdown on September 6th due to poor sales and low player numbers—on the Steam platform, the peak concurrent users were as low as 700.
Despite its untimely demise, the game’s second-hand physical copies have been experiencing a wave of increased interest, far exceeding their original retail price of £34.99. On the online marketplace eBay, some listings for the PS5 version of Star Strike Attack are being offered for an astonishing £10,000.
According to reports from the media outlet VG247, while some individuals have purchased second-hand physical copies for prices exceeding four times the original cost—up to £152.75 and even over £180—there are also listings on the market starting as low as £1 for used copies.
However, it’s important to note that as a real-time service game, Star Strike Attack will no longer provide players with a normal gaming experience after the official shutdown and server closure. These second-hand copies, beyond their collectible value and a slight historical significance, will not offer the full game experience to the players.
The sudden spike in interest and resale value of Star Strike Attack raises several questions about the gaming market and consumer behavior. Firstly, it highlights the niche appeal of certain games, even if they do not achieve mainstream success. Secondly, it reflects the strong attachment some consumers have to physical copies of games, which are often seen as tangible assets with value beyond the digital realm.
The surge in prices could be attributed to several factors. For one, the rarity of the game due to its short shelf life might make it an attractive collectible for enthusiasts. Additionally, the limited supply of physical copies, as the game was only available for a brief period, might also contribute to the high demand.
Moreover, the phenomenon might also be fueled by a psychological aspect of sniping, where collectors seek out and purchase rare or limited edition items before they become widely available or too expensive. In the case of Star Strike Attack, the urgency to acquire a physical copy before it becomes even harder to find could be driving up prices.
In conclusion, the dramatic increase in the resale value of Star Strike Attack after its discontinuation is a fascinating case study in the gaming industry. It underscores the unpredictable nature of consumer demand and the value that can be placed on a game’s physical copy, even when it is no longer supported by the developer. Whether this surge is a fleeting trend or a sign of a more significant shift in gaming culture remains to be seen, but it is certainly a topic of interest for both gamers and industry observers alike.
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