Microsoft has backed away from its initial plan to launch The Outer Worlds 2 at $80 in 2025, following fan feedback. The company also confirmed it will not increase the price of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. In a recent interview, Xbox executive Matt Booty emphasized listening to players on pricing and value.
Background on the Pricing Decision
Earlier this year, in June, Microsoft considered making The Outer Worlds 2 its first game priced at $80 upon release. This move was part of broader discussions around rising development costs in the industry. However, just a month later, the company reversed course amid concerns from players accustomed to $60 standard pricing for major titles.
Matt Booty, president of game content and studios at Microsoft, addressed the topic in an interview with Variety. "Our whole focus is on delivering player satisfaction and delivering player value," Booty stated. He highlighted the evolving landscape of game monetization, noting that traditional shelf prices are less relevant today with options like subscriptions and discounts.
Broader Context and Implications
The decision reflects ongoing debates about game affordability. Services like Xbox Game Pass offer access to titles for a monthly fee, potentially softening the impact of higher upfront costs—though Game Pass itself has seen price increases. Booty added, "We’re going to continue to listen to the feedback from fans... But right now, on the content side, we don’t have any pricing updates."
Microsoft's approach balances player expectations with business needs, aiming for a 30 percent profit margin as reported by Bloomberg. For now, The Outer Worlds 2 and similar upcoming releases will stick to more conventional pricing, avoiding immediate hikes. This reprieve comes as the industry navigates diverse revenue streams, from deluxe editions to frequent sales across digital platforms.
The shift underscores a commitment to 'meeting people where they are,' as Booty described, prioritizing accessibility over aggressive price experimentation in 2025.
