Japanese Marketplace Imposes Price Cap on New Game Sales to Combat Scalping

New Rules in Japan to Stop Upscaled Post-Launch Prices

A major Japanese online market has rolled out a rule to curb price bumps for fresh game releases. The move targets listings that push the price above the suggested retail price for a set period after launch. Merchants who ignore the rule could see their accounts suspended and their listings removed. The aim is to make the market fairer and more open for used games. The policy was announced as a part of broader steps to balance the buying and selling of video games online.

What the Policy Covers

Starting November 13, all new game software in the game category falls under the rule. Sellers must not post items at prices higher than MSRP during the specified window after release. If a seller breaks the rule, their account may be suspended and offending posts taken down. This action is described as one piece of a larger effort to create a more level field for game trading.

Why This Change Matters for Players

The platform says the rule will curb excessive pricing and help customers access titles more fairly. By limiting how fast prices can rise, it hopes to reduce speculative buying. The move is meant to support a healthier ecosystem for buying and selling used games. Gamers should see steadier prices and easier access to popular titles.

Past Trends in the Japanese Market

In the past, hot releases and limited editions often sold for far above MSRP soon after debut. The marketplace reports that prices quickly climbed above the official price on many close-to-launch listings. Such spikes have frustrated collectors and casual buyers alike. The new rule directly targets these price jumps and aims to slow them down.

What It Means for Sellers and Buyers

Sellers will need to adjust their posting habits. Listings should reflect fair pricing within the allowed window after release. Buyers can look forward to a more predictable market for new releases and a steadier flow of titles in stock. The policy encourages a push toward steady, transparent resale prices rather than quick, sharp jumps.

Broader Context in the Gaming World

This move aligns with a wider push to rein in scalpers and price gouging. While the exact mechanics vary by country and platform, many markets watch to see if such rules help maintain fair access to new games. The policy from the Japanese platform sits alongside similar efforts in other regions to make game shopping less rushed and more consumer-friendly. For readers abroad, it signals a growing willingness to use policy to shape how games are bought and sold in online marketplaces.

What to Watch Next

Observers will note how sellers adapt their listings and how quickly the market returns to normal pricing patterns. If the rule sticks, it could influence how third-party retailers approach early stock and promotions. Gamers should keep an eye on how these changes affect the speed of restocks and the pricing of new releases in the weeks after launch. The long-term effect may shape pricing norms across Japan’s game market and beyond.

For more details, you can review the official release here: https://www.lycorp.co.jp/ja/news/release/019850/

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