It seems Amazon has quietly introduced several games to their list of Amazon Prime-Exclusive items, with GTA V, FIFA 16, Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, Minecraft and Far Cry Primal all currently marked as “exclusively for Prime members”, among others.
It’s unknown how many more titles are affected by the change; however, the games are still available to purchase through third-party sellers on the site.
It’s something of a bizarre move for the company, who are clearly trying to incentivize customers to fork out cash for their paid service. Membership requires an annual subscription fee of $99, or £79 per year for UK customers, and gives members access to free next day delivery and their Amazon Instant Video service, amongst other features.
One can’t help but wonder, though, if the change might have the opposite effect, with customers simply going to other retailers or buying from third-party sellers instead. It also begs the question…how far will Amazon go with its “exclusive” merchandise?
Other games currently affected by the decision include: Dishonored: Definitive Edition, Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, Elder Scrolls Online, Battlefield Hardline, Rainbow Six Siege and, somewhat bizarrely, Farming Simulator 15. Strangely, Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes also seems to be included, but not Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain.
What are your thoughts on the move? Would you consider paying for Amazon Prime in light of this? Or do you think Amazon have just shot themselves in the foot? For those who are already Prime members, how do you feel about the change? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
Published: Apr 22, 2016 02:27 am