Overview
Not everyone could afford £9.99. Budget labels like Mastertronic, Codemasters, and Kixx offered games at £1.99-£4.99, making gaming accessible to those priced out of full-price releases. Quality varied wildly—some budget titles rivalled premium games, while others justified their low price. The format proved gaming didn’t require premium pricing.
Fast facts
- Price point: £1.99-£4.99 (vs £9.99+ full price).
- Peak: Mid to late 1980s.
- Markets: UK, Europe primarily.
- Mix: Original games and rereleases.
Major budget labels
| Label |
Parent/Style |
| Mastertronic |
Pioneer, original games |
| Codemasters |
Quality originals |
| Firebird Silver |
Budget line |
| Kixx |
US Gold rereleases |
| Hit Squad |
Ocean rereleases |
| Encore |
Various publishers |
Mastertronic model
| Element |
Approach |
| Pricing |
£1.99-£2.99 |
| Distribution |
Newsagents, not just game shops |
| Volume |
High unit sales |
| Quality |
Variable but improving |
Content types
| Type |
Quality expectation |
| Original budget |
Often simple |
| Older rereleases |
Previously full-price |
| Compilation packs |
Multiple games cheap |
| Licensed tie-ins |
Quick productions |
Notable budget successes
| Title |
Label |
Note |
| Kikstart |
Mastertronic |
Original hit |
| Dizzy |
Codemasters |
Budget origin |
| BMX Simulator |
Codemasters |
Strong original |
Distribution innovation
| Channel |
Impact |
| Newsagents |
Wider availability |
| Petrol stations |
Impulse purchases |
| Supermarkets |
Mass market reach |
| Traditional shops |
Supplemented |
Impact on industry
| Effect |
Detail |
| Democratisation |
More people could afford games |
| Developer opportunities |
Lower barrier to publish |
| Price pressure |
Full-price market affected |
| Compilation culture |
Value bundles emerged |
Quality spectrum
| Best case |
Worst case |
| Hidden gems |
Unplayable rubbish |
| Future hits |
Quick cash-ins |
| Classic rereleases |
Broken ports |
See also