Xbox Backtracks on Price Increase for Full-Priced Holiday Releases
– 1 min read
Taking the current market conditions into account, Xbox has decided to reverse its plan to increase the price of games. The standard version of The Outer Worlds 2 and other games scheduled for release this holiday season will remain at their original price of €69.99.
Microsoft/Xbox had originally planned to increase the price of first-party games to $80/€80 this holiday season, but have now decided against doing so in light of 'current market conditions'. Prices will remain the same. The company made this announcement alongside Obsidian Entertainment regarding The Outer Worlds 2, which is scheduled for release on 29 October 2025. However, the game will now cost $69.99 (€69.99) instead of $79.99, as originally announced. Customers who have pre-ordered will receive refunds accordingly.
A company spokesperson then confirmed to Windows Central that this price adjustment affects more than just The Outer Worlds 2: "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." The publisher did not provide any further details, including any possible exceptions to this rule. Previous speculation had suggested that Microsoft intended to make Xbox Game Pass more appealing by increasing the price of full-price retail titles.
Xbox was the first major publisher to announce a price increase for 'some' games this year. Borderlands 4, which was due to be released by 2K Games for €80, will also be released at the usual price following the heavy criticised statements made by Gearbox boss Randy Pitchford.
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