Teenage Developer’s $200 Game Hits the Jackpot Before Refund Nightmare

In a bizarre twist of fate, a game titled “This Game Costs 200 Dollars” has taken the Steam community by storm, albeit briefly. Created by 18-year-old developer Michael Major from Stolen Valor Studios, this game is exactly what it says on the tin—priced at a whopping $200 (approx. Rs 55,600). Initially marketed as a “psychological comedic experience,” Major never anticipated that his quirky venture would actually attract players, let alone generate nearly $1.4 (approx. Rs 390) million in sales.

Major recently shared his unexpected journey with WMUR-TV, revealing that his game, launched on January 30, was intended purely as a joke—a sort of sequel to “This Game Costs 10 Dollars,” which released just days earlier. To his astonishment, the game caught the attention of many buyers, particularly from China. However, the excitement was short-lived, as most purchasers immediately refunded their copies without even playing.

Curious about this phenomenon, Major speculated that an ad or some sort of scheme might have drawn in the users. “I’ve heard of pricey games on Steam being used for money laundering,” he mused. While he may not be overly worried about potential repercussions from shady dealings, it’s clear he’s taking this all with a pinch of salt—including the game itself.

The game’s description hilariously promises “200 dollars worth of pure joy” and hints at a “swindle to end all swindles.” Major insists that “This Game Costs 200 Dollars” is a legitimate experience, calling it “a real mind-bending journey.” However, the absurdity of its price tag leaves you questioning its true value—if you do decide to drop $200 (approx. Rs 55,600) on it, well, that’s on you!

I couldn’t resist giving the game a spin myself, and let me tell you, while it does have its quirky charm, the $200 (approx. Rs 55,600) price tag feels utterly unjustified. The gameplay is a retro-style top-down adventure featuring simple exploration and short chats with NPCs. At times, Major chimes in to remind players of the effort he put into this “masterpiece,” which adds a layer of amusement to the whole experience.

Despite its low-effort vibe, I found it somewhat entertaining, capturing that edgy humor typical of clever teens—definitely something my younger cousins might enjoy. But after completing it, I won’t be chasing any alternate endings. It’s a fun little diversion, but not exactly the blockbuster experience you’d expect for such a price.

Interestingly, Major mentioned that he chose the $200 (approx. Rs 55,600) price because it was the maximum allowed on Steam. However, it seems there are pricier titles available, like “Congratulations On Your Purchase,” which goes for $1,000 (approx. Rs 278,000). So, while Major may not have hit the millionaire jackpot, he still managed to pocket a little over $2,000 (approx. Rs 556,000) from this wild adventure—a decent haul for a teenage gag!

Note: PKR figures are approximate, based on a rate of Rs 278.00 per USD. Exchange rates fluctuate — please check the latest dollar rate for exact pricing.