Microsoft has backtracked its decision to raise the price of The Outer Worlds 2 game to $79.99, reverting to the industry-standard $69.99 following criticism from gamers. The company announced the reversal on Wednesday, acknowledging that the higher price did not align with “current market conditions.”
The move comes months after Microsoft announced shift toward $80 retail prices for major Xbox titles, mirroring Nintendo’s $79.99 launch of Mario Kart World. However, the backlash was immediate, with players citing economic pressures and the game’s anti-corporate themes as reasons to reject the increase.
Pre-orders placed at the higher price will be refunded, though buyers must request reimbursements through their original retailers. Some refunds already began processing yesterday, with others rolling out later this week. Microsoft confirmed the adjusted pricing will also apply to other regions aside from the US.
See also: 10 best-selling gaming consoles of all time
Analysts speculate the reversal may reflect concerns about The Outer Worlds 2’s sales potential or a strategy to steer players toward Xbox Game Pass, where the title will debut on October 29. The decision also raises questions about upcoming releases like Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, which Microsoft now says will remain at $69.99 for the upcoming holiday season.
Source: Windows Central