Xbox backtracks on $80 price hike with big change to Outer Worlds 2 & more

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Microsoft tried to push past the $70 price ceiling for new games, but it didn’t go to plan.

Previously this year, Microsoft disclosed an increase in prices for their own video games. Beginning from the 2025 festive season, certain newly launched games will retail at $79.99.

Initially impacted was The Outer Worlds 2, serving as a symbol of this change. Microsoft attributed the cause to escalating development expenses and industry pressures, mirroring Nintendo’s strategy for charging $80 for Switch 2 exclusive games. While Game Pass subscription fees remained unchanged, it was announced that standalone game prices would increase.

Players swiftly voiced their opinions about The Outer Worlds 2’s $80 pre-order price, leading to intense backlash on discussion boards and social media platforms. In response, Xbox made a subtle yet firm adjustment to the pricing.

Obsidian leads rollback as Microsoft responds to feedback

On July 23, Obsidian Entertainment announced that The Outer Worlds 2 would now retail for $69.99.

Greetings Cosmic Travelers!⁰⁰We’ve received your emergency signal about the cost issues regarding The Outer Worlds 2. As an organization committed to keeping corporations in check, the Earth Directorate has collaborated with [REDACTED] to adjust the price of The Outer Worlds 2. Although this…

— The Outer Worlds (@OuterWorlds) July 23, 2025

Despite an enthusiastic response, the announcement of the sequel faced continuous criticism and worries regarding its pricing equity from fans, regardless of its ambitious nature. Microsoft acknowledged this and guaranteed that those who had pre-ordered at $80 would receive a full refund.

In their subsequent communication, Xbox explained that they are dedicated to offering players immersive realms to discover, and have decided to maintain the $69.99 price point for their full-priced holiday releases like The Outer Worlds 2, a decision in harmony with present market trends.

This change indicates much more than just an anomaly for a single game. It’s emblematic of increasing resistance towards the notion that $80 could establish itself as the norm in the industry.

More triumphant tales have further solidified this trend of defiance. Launched in May for $40, Elden Ring: Nightreign surpassed Mario Kart World’s $80 debut as June’s top-selling game. Titles such as Stellar Blade and PEAK likewise gained popularity without breaking the $70 price barrier.

Initially, it was announced that Borderlands 4 would alter its price prior to launch. Previously, Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford mentioned true fans might pay around $80. However, a few weeks later, the studio changed their stance and revealed the game will be sold at $70, following industry trends.

Although The Outer Worlds 2 may seem expensive at first glance, it’s looking like a game that will truly shine. The new environment, Arcadia, offers fully explorable planets, intricate weather systems, innovative traversal methods, and satirical RPG options. Combats are faster now, the game is in third-person perspective, and the weapons have become even more absurdly amusing. You can preview everything here.

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2025-07-23 18:18