Microsoft and Obsidian Entertainment have officially reversed the controversial pricing of their upcoming RPG, The Outer Worlds 2, slashing its launch price from $79.99 to $69.99 across all platforms: Xbox, PlayStation 5, and PC.
What Just Happened?
- Initial $80 price: The game was set to be Xbox’s first first-party title at $79.99 a response to rising development costs, inflation, and recent price hikes in hardware and other AAA titles.
- Backlash ensued: Gamers reacted negatively, with online forums and social platforms blaming Microsoft while defending Obsidian.
- Developer speaks up: Obsidian’s director, Brandon Adler, clarified that pricing decisions came from Microsoft, saying, “We don’t set the prices for our games.. you’d have to talk to the Xbox folks”.
- MS backtracks: Responding to feedback, Microsoft, in coordination with Obsidian, adjusted the price to $69.99 and initiated refunds for early pre-orders.
Why the Pullback Matters
- Consumer trust: Landing at $70 keeps the game in line with industry expectations and calms consumer concerns.
- Game Pass strategy: The reversal suggests Microsoft is fine-tuning pricing to support subscriptions, not just revenue per sale.
- Developer deflection: Obsidian retains credibility by distancing itself from corporate pricing while reaffirming its creative integrity.
- Industry impact: The rollback sets a precedent signaling that publishers might think twice before pushing full-scale $80 launches.
Quick Facts at a Glance
Detail | Info |
---|---|
Launch Price | Now $69.99 (was $79.99) |
Release Date | October 29, 2025 |
Platforms | Xbox Series X |
Refunds | Automatic for all pre-orders |
Game Pass | Included on Day One |
Final Thoughts
Microsoft’s decision to roll back the price of The Outer Worlds 2 from $80 to $70 marks a rare but promising example of corporate responsiveness to fan feedback. Obsidian gains respect by clarifying its role, reinforcing that creative studios aren’t at fault for pricing. For gamers, it’s a welcome reset balancing affordability with ambition. As Outer Worlds 2 lands on October 29 across platforms, all eyes will be on how this pricing shift influences Game Pass strategy and future AAA release costs.
- iOS 27 Tailored for Apple’s First Foldable iPhone
- Google Brings “Photo to Video” to Photos and YouTube Shorts
- Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3 Rolls Out: Bug Fixes, Accessibility, and Desktop Improvements
- PayPal World: Connecting Domestic Wallets for Seamless Global Payments
- Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Review – A Cinematic Soulslike with Chinese Flair