Games are expensive to make and run. AAA boxed games really haven't changed prices, even to match inflation/royalties. Which is also largely dictated by console manufacturers. Just selling a big AAA game for $60 is no longer enough. What's the solve?
-
Hellblade also makes a good case for a smaller, more tightly-woven experience made on a smaller budget and sold at a less expensive price, but that's a risk many studios likely won't (or can't) take.
It's also not necessarily the experience that everyone wants. Consider the vast majority of game players buy 1 big sports game, 1 Call of Duty game, and 1 open world adventure game/rpg per year. Doesn't mean Hellblade can't be successful, but it's a risk.