The prices of new games designed for the new Sony PlayStation 4 may be no more expensive (and in some cases cheaper) than those for the current console, the PlayStation 3, according to Jack Tretton.

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Sony PlayStation official webs

Tretton, the chief executive for Sony Computer Entertainment America, told CNBC: "I think people are willing to pay if they see value there and I think there are more choices than ever before for consumers. We're going to welcome free-to-play models; games from 99 cents up to those $60 games."

This should come as good news, considering Sony jumped from $50 (approximately £33) for PlayStation 2 games to $60 (approximately £40) for PS3 titles.

"But if you really see where the heat is for the true gamer on the console it's still that big-form experience that typically runs upwards of $50 million (£33 million) to develop and will justify that $60 price point and will give people hours and hours of gameplay on a daily basis for months and years to come," Tretton added.

The Sony executive's comments suggest, on the face of matters, that gamers will not be asked to pay, on average, more than they have so far. However, Kotaku's report quotes inflation figures from the US' Department of Labour, which suggests that the adjusted price of PlayStation games, in 2013, ought to be $68.54 (approximately £45).

Whether or not developers do opt to hike prices, it is interesting to note the hypothetical increase in prices ($8.54) is close to the $10 hike from the PS2 to the PS3.

Smartphone Gamers?

Meanwhile, Tretton was also asked about the possible impact of cheap smartphones on the gaming industry and if these could be an alternative to increasingly expensive gaming consoles.

"They (games on tablets) demystify gaming; they bring people in with a bite-sized gaming experience. But ultimately, I think people migrate up the food chain. Conversely, if you're somebody who consider themselves to be a true gamer and wants to play the most powerful devices and the most deep and rich gaming experiences, you're not going to find yourself migrating down the food chain other than to maybe kill some time or to complement that core gaming experience," Tretton said.

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