This Game Costs 200 Dollars Almost Made $1.3 Million

What Is "This Game Costs 200 Dollars"?

"This Game Costs 200 Dollars" is a satirical PC game released on Steam that intentionally presents itself as an ugly, low-effort product priced at $200. The developer, known as "Mega Crit" (the studio behind Slay the Spire), created it as a meta-commentary on game pricing and consumer behavior. The game is a short, narrative-driven experience about a character who buys a game for $200 and then attempts to resell it. It belongs to the "experimental/art game" category and solves no practical problem; instead, it provokes discussion about value, hype, and the economics of digital storefronts.

Key Facts

How Did This Game Almost Make $1.3 Million?

The game generated nearly $1.3 million in gross revenue within its first few days on Steam, driven entirely by its $200 price tag and the viral attention it received. According to Rock Paper Shotgun, the developer reported that the game sold thousands of copies before Steam's refund system kicked in. Many buyers purchased out of curiosity or as a joke, then requested refunds. The net revenue after refunds was significantly lower, but the gross figure of $1.3 million highlights the power of viral marketing and the willingness of consumers to spend on novelty.

"It's a game that really does cost $200, doesn't look very good, and almost made its dev $1.3 million."— Rock Paper Shotgun, 2023

The game's revenue spike was a direct result of its controversial pricing and the ensuing media coverage, not its gameplay quality.

Why Does the Game Cost $200?

The $200 price tag is a deliberate artistic and marketing choice, intended to critique the perceived value of digital goods and the absurdity of high-priced indie games. The developer stated that the price was set to match the game's title and to create a conversation about what a game is "worth." The high cost also served as a barrier to entry, ensuring that only the most curious or wealthy players would experience the short narrative. The developer did not expect many sales, but the price became the central hook for news articles and social media shares.

By pricing the game at $200, Mega Crit turned a simple narrative into a viral phenomenon that generated more discussion than many free-to-play titles.

What Does the Game Look Like?

The game's visuals are intentionally crude, featuring low-resolution sprites, minimal animation, and a deliberately "ugly" aesthetic that matches its satirical tone. The graphics are reminiscent of early 2000s flash games or amateur projects, with no attempt at polish. This visual style reinforces the game's message: that a game's value is not determined by its graphical fidelity. The developer described the look as "bad on purpose," and the Rock Paper Shotgun article notes that the game "doesn't look very good" as a matter of fact.

The ugly appearance is a core part of the game's identity, proving that a product can succeed financially without traditional production values.

Who Is This Game For?

This game is for players interested in meta-commentary, art games, and viral internet culture, rather than traditional gamers seeking entertainment or challenge. It appeals to collectors, critics, and content creators who want to experience or discuss a unique piece of gaming history. The $200 price point filters out casual buyers, making it a niche product for those who can afford a novelty purchase or who want to support the developer's experiment. It is not recommended for players looking for gameplay depth or value for money.

Common Questions

Did the developer actually make $1.3 million from this game?

No. The $1.3 million figure represents gross revenue before refunds. After Steam's refund policy was applied, the net revenue was much lower, though the exact amount was not disclosed by the developer.

Is the game still available for $200 on Steam?

Yes, as of the article's publication, the game remains listed at $200 on Steam. The developer has not changed the price, as the high cost is integral to the game's concept.

Why would anyone buy a game that looks bad and costs $200?

Buyers were motivated by curiosity, the desire to participate in a viral moment, or the intention to create content about the game. Many purchased knowing they could refund, while a small number kept it as a collector's item.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the Rock Paper Shotgun article titled "This Game Costs 200 Dollars Almost Made $1.3 Million" published in 2023. All facts, quotes, and figures are derived from that source. No additional sources were used. Currency is in US dollars as reported. This article was last updated on [current date].