Varsha
Microsoft’s ambitious plan to raise Xbox first-party game prices to $79.99 has hit a notable snag. Today, Obsidian Entertainment, a Microsoft-owned developer, announced that The Outer Worlds 2 will return to the regular $69.99 price point instead of launching at the higher $79.99 price. This move reflects a broader hesitation from gamers about Microsoft’s recent price increases.
Background: Xbox’s $80 Game Price Shift
Earlier this year, Microsoft revealed plans to increase first-party Xbox game prices from the usual $69.99 to $79.99. Alongside this, hardware components like consoles and controllers also saw price hikes. The $10 jump was notable, as it marked a first for major AAA releases on Xbox platforms.
- Initial $79.99 price tag: The Outer Worlds 2 was originally slated to debut at this new, higher price point in October 2025.
- Market reaction: Early signs indicated weaker preorder numbers and resistance from the gaming community regarding the price increase.
The Price Reversal: What Happened?
In a significant reversal, Obsidian announced via official channels that The Outer Worlds 2’s price will be restored to $69.99. This includes:
- Price rollback for new sales.
- Refunds offered for gamers who preordered at $79.99 through Microsoft Store, Steam, PlayStation Store, or other platforms.
An Xbox spokesperson told IGN:
“We’re focused on bringing players incredible worlds to explore, and will keep our full priced holiday releases, including The Outer Worlds 2, at $69.99 – in line with current market conditions.”
Additionally, other upcoming first-party Xbox holiday releases will also follow the $69.99 standard pricing instead of the $79.99 tag.
What This Means for Microsoft and Gamers
This backtrack underscores a broader tension between publishers’ pricing strategies and gamers’ willingness to pay. Microsoft’s initial price hike was an attempt to match inflation and development costs but appears to have met a ceiling of consumer acceptance.
Key points to consider:
- Preorder performance: Poor preorder numbers for The Outer Worlds 2 likely influenced Microsoft’s decision.
- Competitive pricing: Maintaining the $69.99 price point aligns Xbox with other platforms and market expectations.
- Refunds: Offering refunds is a customer-friendly move that acknowledges community feedback.
Looking Ahead: Will Microsoft Stick with $80?
The decision to roll back pricing for The Outer Worlds 2 raises questions about Microsoft’s future pricing strategy for Xbox games:
- Will Microsoft continue pushing $79.99 price tags for new releases next year?
- Is this a one-off move or the start of a broader rethink on premium game pricing?
The gaming community will be watching closely as Microsoft’s direction on first-party game pricing evolves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Microsoft increased prices for new first-party Xbox titles this year to $79.99 to reflect rising production and development costs.
Yes. Microsoft is processing refunds through all major storefronts like the Microsoft Store, Steam, and PlayStation Store for affected preorders.
According to official statements, upcoming holiday Xbox releases, including The Outer Worlds 2, will be priced at $69.99, reflecting current market conditions.
Not necessarily. It may indicate a pause or reconsideration based on player feedback and sales data.
Many gamers expressed dissatisfaction, citing price sensitivity and comparisons with other platforms’ pricing.
Conclusion
Microsoft’s move to lower the price of The Outer Worlds 2 back to $69.99 signals a clear message about listening to gamers and market realities. As the holiday season approaches and more titles prepare to launch, will Microsoft choose to maintain this more gamer-friendly price point, or will the $79.99 era return? Only time will tell.
