# The RAM Apocalypse: Why Gaming Got So Expensive (And What To Do About It) (Ep.89)

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/critical-moves-strategy-gaming-7033275/the-ram-apocalypse-why-gaming-got-so-expensive-and-what-to-do-about-it-ep-89
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/critical-moves-strategy-gaming-7033275/the-ram-apocalypse-why-gaming-got-so-expensive-and-what-to-do-about-it-ep-89.md
Podcast: [Critical Moves - Strategy Gaming](https://stenobird.com/podcast/critical-moves-strategy-gaming-7033275)
Published: 2026-07-10T15:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://rss.com/podcasts/criticalmoves/2976987
Audio file: https://content.rss.com/episodes/324240/2976987/criticalmoves/2026_07_10_12_43_15_5dbee552-7d69-4770-a1d1-96ee593a73de.mp3
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Duration seconds: 2959

## Resource

Al, Drexy, and Joe tackle a question hitting every strategy gamer's wallet: is modern gaming too expensive? From the RAM price surge and the Steam Machine's launch price to Civ 7's $70 tag and Football Manager delisting its own back catalogue, the panel breaks down where the real cost pressure is coming from, and argues the case for mods, indie studios, and simply not buying on day one. Topics covered: hardware price inflation, console pricing, AAA price increases adjusted for inflation, DLC-as-vehicle releases, indie studios outperforming AAA at the awards, mod culture as a cost-saving strategy, and the ethics of delisting older game versions. More from Critical Moves Podcast: Web: https://criticalmovespodcast.com Forum: https://criticalmovesforum.com Newsletter: https://criticalmoves.beehiiv.com Spotify: https://criticalmovespodcast.com/spotify Apple: https://criticalmovespodcast.com/apple Amazon: https://criticalmovespodcast.com/amazon Discord: https://criticalmovespodcast.com/discord Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/criticalmovespodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/CriticalMoves_ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/criticalmovespodcast Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/CriticalMoves Critical Moves examines strategy games through weekly Friday episodes and Monday news updates. Six hosts across multiple continents analyze recent releases, forgotten classics, and industry developments without the typical podcast theatrics. We cover real-time strategy, 4X civilization builders, turn-based tactics, and hybrid games that blur genre boundaries.

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