Unfortunately it looks as if the $60 price tag slapped on games by MS and Sony in the next generation is indeed sustainable and here to stay. A games website has conducted some research on the history of game pricing and consumer adoption and it looks as if things could get even worse over the next few years as consumers are increasingly warming to the high prices.

Our conclusions are as follows…

Prior to 2007, the average prices for the top 20 games was around $40-$43.
During the first half of 2007, prices for the top 20 games has been around $46-$49, without including Guitar Hero II. With Guitar Hero II, included prices are measurably above $50.
As the Xbox 360 library expands, it will claim more and more high-priced games in the top 20 list.
As Wii games replace PlayStation 2 games in the charts, it will keep the floor of console game prices right at $50.
The last two points will together force the average price of top selling games well above $50 in the near future.
The only downward pressure on average game prices is coming from the Nintendo DS.

So are consumers buying those $60 games? Yes, they are, and at an increasing pace. Here’s the detailed evidence…