What's Happening?
The Nintendo DS game 'Disney Cory in the House,' originally released in 2008, has become the subject of a viral campaign, leading to a significant increase in its resale value on eBay. Despite being critically
panned and described as having 'clunky controls' and 'insultingly stupid' presentation, the game has achieved cult status. This surge in popularity is largely attributed to users on the internet imageboard 4chan, who have propelled the game to notoriety. As a result, copies of the game are now selling for as much as $700 on eBay, a stark contrast to its previous value of around $15. The game is also ranked as the joint-second best game on Metacritic by user ranking, a position it holds due to the viral campaign rather than its quality.
Why It's Important?
The sudden increase in the game's value highlights the power of viral internet campaigns in influencing market dynamics, even for products with little intrinsic value. This phenomenon underscores the impact of online communities in shaping consumer behavior and market trends. For collectors and sellers, this presents an opportunity to capitalize on the inflated prices. However, it also raises questions about the sustainability of such trends and the potential for market manipulation. The situation reflects broader themes in digital culture, where meme-driven phenomena can lead to unexpected economic outcomes.
What's Next?
It remains to be seen whether the current high prices for 'Disney Cory in the House' will be sustained or if they will eventually decline as the viral interest wanes. Metacritic has yet to comment on whether it will take action to address the game's artificially inflated ranking. Sellers and collectors may continue to monitor the market for further developments, while potential buyers might consider the risks of purchasing at such high prices. The situation could prompt discussions about the role of online platforms in moderating user-driven content and rankings.
