LOS ANGELES, Feb 21 (Reuters) - Electronic Arts Inc. (ERTS.O: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Tuesday it will debut its "The Godfather" and "Black" games at $39.95, a 20 percent discount to previous debut prices, as video game publishers grapple with a console technology transition that is denting sales.
The world's biggest video game publisher on Monday shipped "Fight Night Round 3" to retailers with a suggested price of $39.95 for current generation PlayStation 2 and Xbox consoles.
"$39 is resonating with consumers given the transition," EA spokesman Jeff Brown said. "There are indications that $39 is a solid and sustainable price point."
Video game sales have tumbled as consumers wait and save for new consoles. Game publishers for months have said that price cuts on current-generation games could be used to spur sales.
EA on Jan. 20 lowered the price on its racing game "Need for Speed Most Wanted" to $39.95 from $49.95 as sales flagged. The price cut stabilized sales, Brown said.
"Black" is due Feb. 28 and "The Godfather" is slated for release on March 14.
Microsoft Corp. (MSFT.O: Quote, Profile, Research) released its next-generation Xbox 360 video game console in November but supplies have been limited. Sony Corp. (6758.T: Quote, Profile, Research) and Nintendo Co. Ltd (7974.OS: Quote, Profile, Research) have said they will debut their new machines later this year.
Most next-generation console games are debuting at $59.95.
