Microsoft initially said new games, starting with The Outer Worlds 2, would cost $80. They quickly changed their minds, deciding to sell the game for the standard price of $70 and abandoning plans to raise prices for future titles. This left many wondering why the price increase was considered in the first place, and what Microsoft’s long-term strategy is for game pricing.
Matt Booty, head of Xbox Game Studios, explained to Variety that they lowered the price of games from $80 to $70 after hearing what players wanted and focusing on providing a good value for their money.
Over the past year, we’ve been adapting to changing trends, and our main goal now is to connect with players in the ways that suit them best. We’re seeing a shift away from simply focusing on the initial price of a game, as people explore different ways to play and enjoy them.
Focusing on specific price points like $50, $60, $70, or $80 isn’t helpful, according to Booty. There isn’t a single price that will work for all games, and the company plans to keep listening to player feedback as they determine future game pricing.
We’re seeing many different ways to generate revenue right now. We’ll keep listening to what our fans want while also making sure the business stays healthy. Currently, we don’t have any changes to announce regarding content pricing, he explained.
Although Microsoft didn’t release any games priced at $80 this year, they did raise costs for Xbox users in other areas. They increased the price of Xbox consoles and significantly raised the monthly fee for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate – by 50%.
Nintendo’s new Mario Kart World costs $80, which the company defends by saying it offers a lot of gameplay for the price. It’s also being sold as part of a $500 bundle that includes the game and hardware.
With a release date currently projected for November 2026, many gamers are starting to speculate about the price of GTA 6. Some believe the game is worth a $100 price tag, but others think it could cost less, as the popular online component is expected to generate significant revenue for the developers.
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2025-12-12 17:39