Microsoft has reversed its decision to price upcoming Xbox games at $80, with "The Outer Worlds 2" now set to launch at the more standard $69.99. This adjustment follows initial announcements in May that indicated a price hike for first-party titles, a move that mirrored industry trends but faced consumer backlash.
A Shift in Pricing Strategy
Microsoft initially planned to align its premium game releases with a new $80 price point, a strategy that began with "The Outer Worlds 2." This decision was attributed to rising development costs and market conditions. However, following public reaction and likely a review of pre-order performance, the company has opted to revert to the current industry standard of $69.99 for its "full priced holiday releases."
Key Takeaways
- Microsoft is lowering the price of "The Outer Worlds 2" and other holiday Xbox releases from $80 to $69.99.
- The company cited "current market conditions" as the reason for the price adjustment.
- Players who pre-ordered at the higher price will need to seek refunds and re-order at the new price.
- This move signals a potential pause in the industry-wide push towards $80 game prices.
Consumer Impact and Industry Context
The initial $80 price tag for "The Outer Worlds 2" was met with criticism, especially given the ongoing economic pressures on consumers. Many saw the price increase as a significant burden. The decision to lower the price is being viewed as a win for consumers, offering some relief in an increasingly expensive market.
This adjustment also comes at a time when other games are launching at lower price points, such as $50 for titles like "Clair Obscur: Expedition 33" and "Dune: Awakening." Microsoft’s U-turn suggests a careful consideration of market reception and the potential impact on sales figures, particularly in relation to its Xbox Game Pass subscription service.
"The Outer Worlds 2" Details
"The Outer Worlds 2" is an RPG developed by Obsidian Entertainment, set in a lawless frontier space. The game is scheduled to launch on October 29, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. It will also be available day one on Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Cloud Gaming. Obsidian Entertainment humorously acknowledged the pricing change through a statement in the persona of the game’s in-universe "Earth Directorate."
Refunds and Pre-Orders
Customers who have already pre-ordered "The Outer Worlds 2" at the $79.99 price will need to obtain refunds from their point of purchase. Retailers are expected to facilitate these refunds, allowing consumers to re-pre-order the game at the new $69.99 price. The price update is also reflected on digital storefronts like Steam.
