The Evil Within Was Heavily Discounted on All Platforms in 2015

In July 2015, the physical version of Bethesda Softworks’ survival horror title The Evil Within received a substantial discount across all its launch platforms. The sale, which occurred roughly nine months after the game’s October 2014 release, offered a significant price reduction for players on both seventh and eighth-generation consoles, as well as PC.

The Discount Breakdown

The promotion featured different discount tiers based on the platform. The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions of The Evil Within saw the largest price drop, listed at 67 percent off their standard retail price. Owners of older hardware were not left out; the physical editions for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC were also included in the sale with a 50 percent discount. These price cuts made the game’s base edition more accessible to a wider audience.

A Return to Classic Horror

Developed by Tango Gameworks and directed by acclaimed Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami, The Evil Within was marketed as a return to the roots of the survival horror genre. The game puts players in the role of Krimson City police detective Sebastian Castellanos. While investigating a grisly mass murder at a mental hospital, he is pulled into a terrifying and distorted world inhabited by grotesque creatures.

Gameplay focuses on surviving against overwhelming odds. Ammunition and health supplies are scarce, forcing players to think tactically. Stealth is often a viable option to conserve resources, and environmental traps can be used to dispatch multiple foes. The game also features an upgrade system for Sebastian’s abilities and weapons, funded by ‘Green Gel’ collected from fallen enemies or found hidden in the world.

Context of the 2015 Sale

Upon its release, The Evil Within received a generally positive reception from critics, who praised its tense atmosphere and challenging gameplay. It was often compared favorably to classic survival horror titles, particularly Mikami’s own Resident Evil 4. Some criticism was aimed at its complex story and occasional technical issues, but it was largely seen as a successful new intellectual property in the horror space.

The 2015 sale provided an opportunity for players who were hesitant at launch to experience the game at a much lower price. By this time, the game had also received three story-based DLC packs, The Assignment, The Consequence, and The Executioner, though these were sold separately and not included with the discounted base game.