Next THQ MX game coming 2012, to offer 'hybrid' budget experience with DLC

Games aren't always going to keep their $60 price tag -- at least, that's what THQ president Brian Farrell believes. Speaking at the recent "Goldman Sachs Communacopia XIX" investors conference, Farrell described the future of the industry, one that allows for more flexibly priced goods. He offered a glimpse at the future by discussing the company's next (currently unannounced) MX game. Due in fiscal 2012, the title will experiment with a "hybrid" model that combines a budget price point and extensive DLC.

"What we're doing this time is coming out initially with a smaller game at a lower price point, at the $29-$39 range, and then doing a download model for different modes, different tracks, different vehicles. We call it hybrid because it's a take on the microtransaction and DLC models," he explained to investors. By offering a smaller game at a smaller price point, Farrell believes they can capture the budget gamer "no matter what." However, by adding extensive microtransaction options, gamers can buy into as much as they want. "If a person wants to spend a $100 on a game then they can do that as well."

THQ's next MX game is just another example of the shifting economies within the video game industry. For example, THQ's Red Faction Battlegrounds represents yet another part of the company's experiment to diversify game pricing. EA has also been expanding its digital portfolio with its own "Project Ten Dollar" initiative. "Whether it's a take on this model or the free-to-play model, this is where our industry is going," Farrell added.