- Microsoft has fallen back on its $ 80 game price standard, starting with The outer worlds 2
- It comes after the cancellation of Perfectly dark and the shutdown of the initiative developer
- It is another example of the effects of consumers expressing frustrations over rising game prices
After the Nintendo Switch 2 exhibition window, Nintendo revealed a new $ 80 game price standard and it didn’t take a very long time for Microsoft to follow for Xbox titles. Now it has taken a drastic turn only weeks after the controversial message.
As reported by our friends at Windows Central, backtracking of $ 79.99 game prices for its main line titles starting with The outer worlds 2An upcoming title for PS5, Xbox Series X | S and PC. It will also process refund for players who have already pre -ordered the title released on October 29, 2025.
In a statement to Windows Central, Microsoft said, “We are fully focused on The outer worlds 2to $ 69.99, in line with current market conditions ”.
This comes shortly after the cancellation of the newly advertised titles, Perfectly darkAt Everwildand an unannounced project along with the shutdown of Perfectly dark‘s developer, the initiative.
This is also not the first time we have seen a backtrack about the controversy about new game prices; Advertised gearbox software Borderlands 4 does not cost $ 79.99, but instead sticks to the current $ 69,99 standard after major rebellion due to Randy Pitchford’s comments.
It is now left the door open for Nintendo to return to industry standard play prices, and may act as a warning to Sony and other gaming publishers who intend to raise prices.
Analysis: The excuse of game development is out of the window so don’t stop expressing your frustrations now
Although I can’t say that I am surprised as I have said several times that voting with your wallet can make changes, Microsoft’s reasoning for his return to the $ 69,99 standard one that has postponed something significant.
The excuse of development costs for video game development, which ultimately leads to higher retail prices, is now false, as Microsoft quoted this as a reason. So what changed suddenly overnight?
Setback toward The outer worlds 2The price is simply another example of why consumers must not ignore creepy stunts, and I am sure that is why Microsoft has admitted. It also makes me wonder what would have happened if consumers used the same pressure on the industry as game prices suddenly jumped to $ 69.99 (which I will still go).
Will Nintendo follow? No I don’t think so because I think it’s already too late since Switch 2 has been launched, and Mario Kart WorldA $ 80 game, sells like hotcakes.
Do I think it will scare Sony and other publishers? Yes, and rightly, because the last thing we need is for the dust to settle down on game prices, leading to another increase in the near future.
