Standard FIFA game to hit £100 by 2031, according to new research

Investment specialists Saxo create FIFA Price Index and find cost of popular video game has increased faster than inflation over past 15 years

The price of video game franchise FIFA has increased quicker than the rate of inflation, according to new research. Looking at the cost of each edition since 2007, the average price of each game has increased on average by 4.31%.Whereas the average Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate in the UK has risen just 2.52% year-on-year.

The data, which was compiled by investment platform Saxo, has also predicted the average price increase of future FIFA games, soon to be renamed EA FC. EA FC 24, due out next year, is expected to rise to at least £73. While the first game expected to be priced at £100 is expected to be EA FC 32, released in 2031.

Data Findings

• FIFA 23, which was released last month at a retail price of £69.99, would cost just £58 if adjusted for inflation
• FIFA 14, 15, 16 and 17 are the only versions to be retailed lower than the expected inflated price
• FIFA 23’s price in line with inflation saw the biggest cost increase (£4.53) based on this year’s average CPI of 8.27%

Background

• The CPI inflation rate is often the main indicator for how much the price of goods will increase or decrease each year.
• This year the Bank of England increased the monthly CPI rate to 9.9% in September, a 40-year high, indicating prices will increase rapidly over the next few months.

Anaam Raza, financial expert at Saxo, said: “As inflation rapidly increases in the UK, it’s more important than ever that the general public is aware of how the prices of goods are and can be affected.

“Our research has shown that, though in this case the popular FIFA franchise has been priced above inflation estimates, the cost of everything has continued to increase over the past 15 years – rising the most exponentially in the most recent five years.

“With inflation hitting close to 10% already this year and being predicted to go higher in 2023, it would be no surprise to see next year’s edition of the game being significantly bumped up in price once again. This may be to factor in an increase in manufacturing, maintenance and staff costs, which may fast forward the potential for the first £100 football game sooner than 2031.”

Average Price Increase vs  Average Price Increase In Line With Inflation

Predicted cost of FIFA ( to be EA FC) based on average price rise

*All data based on prices of games for PlayStation consoles. Recorded at 3pm 06/10/2022