Japanese Marketplace Implements Price Ceiling on New Game Sales to Combat Scalping

Japan’s Top Marketplace Rolls Out a Price Cap on New Games

A major change is landing in Japan’s main online shopping scene. The platform bans sellers from listing freshly released games above the MSRP for a set period. The move is meant to curb scalpers and keep prices fair for buyers.

What the Rule Covers

Starting on November 13, every new game in the game category must follow the price cap. If sellers break the rule, their accounts can be suspended and the listings removed. This measure is part of a broader push to make the market for used video games more open and fair.

Why This Matters to Players

In recent years, hot titles and limited editions have seen quick, steep resales after launch. The platform points to examples where prices jumped far beyond the official MSRP soon after release. The goal is simple: cut down on guesswork and price spikes that block casual players from getting titles they want.

How the Policy Is Enforced

The marketplace will monitor listings and act against violators. Sellers who post higher prices to ride the demand wave will risk losing access to their seller tools. The site’s operators say removing overpriced listings is a step toward a healthier, more visible market.

What It Means for the Used-Game Ecosystem

By limiting how much prices can drift above the MSRP, the platform aims to lower the incentive to buy up stock just to resell at a premium. That should help ensure more people can buy what they want without chasing inflated figures. A steadier price environment can also support a stronger, more resilient second-hand market for games and consoles.

Past Trends and Market Response

Historically, in-demand launches and special edition bundles have drawn sharp resale marks. These spikes have left many buyers frustrated as they watched the cost of new titles soar just days after release. The new rule is designed to slow these swings and keep entry to the catalog more predictable for gamers.

What to Expect Next

Industry watchers see this as part of a wider effort to cleanse the space around new games. By setting price guardrails, the platform hopes to reduce speculative buying and improve overall access. If successful, it could encourage more steady sales of used copies and accessories, benefiting both players and retailers.

Practical Advice for Buyers and Sellers

For buyers, prices should stay closer to the MSRP during the restricted window, making it easier to pick up titles at fair rates. For sellers, the rule means pricing needs to align with the cap for new releases. Compliance keeps accounts safe and listings visible. The policy also sends a clear message that sharp price jumps won’t be tolerated.

Context and Next Steps

This change reflects a growing push to balance demand with fairness in digital and physical game markets. It mirrors a trend toward more transparent pricing, fewer abrupt surges, and a stronger link between new releases and their assigned value. The platform has signaled ongoing evaluation as it weighs how these rules influence buying habits and seller behavior.

You can read the official release for more details: https://www.lycorp.co.jp/ja/news/release/019850/

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