Xbox Reverses $80 Game Price Hike After Player Backlash
A growing wave of consumer resistance has forced Microsoft to backtrack on plans to increase the price of its first-party Xbox games to $80, reverting to the standard $69.99 price point.
Microsoft officially revoked its controversial pricing decision on Thursday, July 23, 2025, following significant outcry from the gaming community. The initial announcement indicated that The Outer Worlds 2, the highly anticipated RPG from Obsidian Entertainment, would be the first title to carry the higher $80 price tag. All full-price Xbox releases during the 2025 holiday season will now be priced at $69.99.
The proposed price increase sparked immediate and intense criticism, with many players arguing that the cost did not align with the value proposition of the game. Some observers noted the move appeared to follow Nintendo’s recent launch of World of Mario Racing for the Switch 2 at $80, but questioned whether the same pricing structure was appropriate for different types of games. “Many people object to the price increase, especially for the RPG game developed by Obsidian Entertainment, which some players believe may not be enough to support the top-notch prices traditionally reserved for huge budget supermasters,” the source text noted.
Xbox’s swift reversal underscores the direct impact of consumer sentiment on corporate policy. Reports suggested that pre-order numbers for The Outer Worlds 2 were lower than anticipated, signaling reluctance among consumers to accept the new pricing model. Obsidian Entertainment even acknowledged the feedback with a playful post, stating they decided to “modify the price” after receiving a “hit signal from the player jumping over the drone.”
Microsoft has confirmed that all players who pre-ordered The Outer Worlds 2 at $80 will receive a full refund. In a statement, a company official said, “We understand that these changes are challenging, and they are decisions made after careful consideration of market conditions and rising development costs. Going forward, we will continue to focus on providing more ways to players to play more games on any screen and ensure value for Xbox players.”
While rising development costs have been cited by industry insiders as justification for price increases, Microsoft’s quick retreat demonstrates the power of collective player feedback in influencing corporate decision-making. One analyst noted that this development could prompt other publishers, including Sony, to reevaluate their own pricing strategies in response to the strong consumer pushback.
The sentiment was echoed online, with one user, @Freeman_Sans, posting on X/Twitter: “Good news to hear. Games should not be $80 dollars.” https://t.co/BFNfw9cU1o
This episode serves as a potent reminder that, in the evolving landscape of the gaming industry, consumer voices are a powerful force that companies can no longer afford to ignore.
