Xbox Reverses $80 Price Increase: Major Updates on Outer Worlds 2 and More

Microsoft’s attempt to raise the price for new gaming titles above the $70 mark has faced significant backlash. In an announcement earlier this year, Xbox revealed plans to increase the cost of select first-party games to $79.99 starting with the holiday season of 2025.

The Outer Worlds 2 was notably the first title impacted by this price hike, serving as a focal point in Microsoft’s pricing strategy. The company attributed this adjustment to escalating development costs and market dynamics, similar to Nintendo’s decision to set the price for exclusive Switch 2 titles at $80. While the pricing for Game Pass remained unchanged, full-price titles were positioned to see an increase.

Immediately following the announcement, player reactions were swift and vociferous. The pre-order price of $80 for The Outer Worlds 2 sparked a wave of criticism across social media and gaming forums. In response to this overwhelming feedback, Xbox opted for a quiet but definitive reversal of the price increase.

Microsoft Adjusts Pricing in Response to Player Feedback

On July 23, Obsidian Entertainment declared that The Outer Worlds 2 would be priced at $69.99 instead. This decision was made in light of persistent fan concerns regarding pricing fairness for sequels, regardless of the anticipated scale and ambition of the game.

Dear Galactic Citizens!⁰⁰We have received your SOS via skip drone about the pricing. As an organization devoted to making sure that corporations do not go unfettered, we at the Earth Directorate have worked with [REDACTED] to revise the price of The Outer Worlds 2. While this… pic.twitter.com/skOjxWBXIB

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

Following this announcement, Microsoft confirmed the pricing revision and announced that those who had pre-ordered the game at the higher price would receive automatic refunds. In a follow-up statement, Xbox reiterated their commitment to delivering exceptional gaming experiences, affirming that The Outer Worlds 2 would maintain a price point of $69.99, aligning it with current market standards.

This shift in pricing strategy signifies more than just a single game adjustment; it illustrates a broader resistance to the normalization of an $80 price tag across the gaming industry. Recent successful game launches have emboldened this sentiment. For instance, Elden Ring: Nightreign debuted at $40 and emerged as June’s top-selling title, even surpassing the $80 launch of Mario Kart World. Other titles like Stellar Blade and PEAK also made significant market impacts while staying below the $70 threshold.

Moreover, Borderlands 4, which initially suggested an $80 price point, eventually confirmed a $70 release. Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford’s earlier opinion—that true fans would willingly pay the increased price—has gradually shifted to reflect industry trends advocating for more affordable pricing.

Despite its rocky pricing journey, The Outer Worlds 2 offers an engaging gameplay experience with its new world, Arcadia. Players can look forward to fully explorable planets, dynamic weather systems, innovative traversal mechanics, and a variety of satirical RPG choices. Combat has been made faster, and the addition of third-person mode along with a plethora of outrageous weapons promises to captivate players’ interest.

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