AAA games like the $70 Ghost of Yotei are really just for "more affluent people," says analyst, as soaring prices push players toward free games and Fortnite: "People just don't realize, because they're not paying attention"

Atsu stands sword raised alongside an ally in Ghost of Yotei with a blazing fire behind them.

Players' spending patterns are becoming increasingly polarized according to Mat Piscatella, a veteran industry analyst at Circana. On a recent podcast appearance, Piscatella said AAA games, which tend to be priced at $70 USD nowadays, are still selling well for more "affluent" groups, while players with less money are being driven towards more mobile and free games.

Appearing on Kyle Bosman's Delayed Input podcast, Piscatella claims, "Because of changes in the marketplace, for example, things becoming more expensive particularly in everyday spending categories like food and housing… there's been a separation in the spending patterns of folks."