The Outer Worlds 2 drops its $80 price tag thanks to Microsoft u-turn

While the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 was the genesis of this year's infamous '$80 game' price hike, Xbox followed suit in confirming its triple-A titles would also be bumped up. The unfortunate poster child for this was The Outer Worlds 2 - Obsidian's promising space RPG sequel - which was the first Xbox Game Studios release to wear that $80 price tag. However, Microsoft has pulled a u-turn. The Outer Worlds 2 is dropping its price down to $70 ahead of launch, with refunds on the way for anyone that's already pre-ordered.

I adored the original The Outer Worlds, despite some rather clunky gameplay mechanics. A vibrant galactic setting, modestly sized but densely packed locations, and loads of brilliantly delivered and tasteful humor, it's one of the best space games around, in my books. The Outer Worlds 2 is shaping up to be even better - larger in scope and promising more of a focus on stealth and combat, it's my most anticipated game of the year.

Whether I'd still feel that way forking out 80 bucks, I'm not so sure - I'm a Game Pass subscriber, so it'll be landing in my lap at no extra cost when The Outer Worlds 2 release date arrives in October. Recognizing this, and clearly not wanting The Outer Worlds 2's reputation tarnished for being the game that drags Xbox Game Studios projects into the $80 realm, Microsoft has today confirmed that none of its full-priced holiday releases will have their prices increased. That also means that The Outer Worlds 2's price is coming down.

In a statement sent to IGN, Microsoft says: "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." This should also be good news for Call of Duty Black Ops 7, which is coming later this year.

For anyone who pre-ordered at the higher price point, refunds will be offered to you by the platform that you made the purchase on.

In its own post on social media, developer Obsidian says: "We have received your SOS via skip drone about the pricing. As an organization devoted to making sure that corporations do not go unfettered, we at the Earth Directorate have worked with [REDACTED] to revise the price of The Outer Worlds 2. While this will not bring peace to the galaxy, or even your local colony, we assure you all that we are here to fight for all colonies in every way that we can."

This is really positive news for those not subscribed to Game Pass, and sees Xbox, at least, stalling the inevitable jump to $80 a little longer. When the GTA 6 release date arrives next year, I imagine that good grace will end, with Rockstar's behemoth highly likely to come in at $80 - or more, which would be pretty nightmarish.

If the likes of The Outer Worlds 2 are luring you into signing up for Game Pass, see what else you'll be able to play with our list of the best Game Pass games. Alternatively, here's our rundown of the best RPGs, which TOW 2 will hopefully be joining later this year.

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