In an unexpected turn of events, Microsoft has decided to ditch plans for The Outer Worlds 2 to launch at a steep $80 price tag. Instead, the much-anticipated RPG, set to release on October 29, 2025, will come in at a more palatable $70.
This change comes after a wave of feedback from fans expressing concern over the initial announcement. Just last month, Xbox hinted that this sequel would be its first $80 title, as part of a larger increase in video game pricing.
What Prompted the Change?
An Xbox spokesperson clarified, “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.” It’s a reassuring shift, especially for gamers eager to dive into this new universe.
Obsidian, the game’s developer, posted a lighthearted message on social media, acknowledging the pricing concerns directly. They humorously referred to an “SOS via skip drone” and emphasized their commitment to preventing corporations from overstepping their bounds. While they playfully noted that this won’t bring peace to the galaxy, the goodwill gesture should ease some worries among fans.
What This Means for Players
The Outer Worlds 2 will be available on Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, also launching on Xbox Game Pass on day one. While the pricing strategy has shifted, the anticipation for this title remains high. However, it raises questions about Microsoft’s broader plans for first-party titles and whether the $80 price point is still on the horizon.
Microsoft addressed rising development costs previously, stating, “We understand that these changes are challenging, and they were made with careful consideration given market conditions.” As the gaming industry navigates these price adjustments, players are eager to see how these changes will affect their gaming experience moving forward.