Xbox Officially Confirms Its First $80 Game

Summary

Microsoft’s The Outer Worlds 2 will launch at $79.99, reflecting a shift to higher game prices.
The game will also have a Premium Edition for $99.99, including in-game items and future expansions.
Gearbox’s Borderlands 4 may follow suit with a higher price tag, as other companies adapt to the industry standard.

During its special Xbox event, Microsoft confirmed that one of its upcoming first party titles will also see an increased retail price at launch. It was a big day for Microsoft as its Summer showcase gave fans a lot to get excited about, including deep dives into upcoming Obsidian Entertainment games like Grounded 2 and The Outer Worlds 2.

However, part of the announcements yesterday highlighted a growing trend within the industry. Nintendo raised plenty of eyebrows from fans when it confirmed that Mario Kart World would be launching at $80. Of all the companies to attempt this, it’s unlikely that many thought Nintendo would be the one to lead the charge, though it likely meant that other companies would now gladly follow. While rising prices were likely inevitable anyway, Microsoft has finally revealed its first game using the new retail value.

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the outer worlds 2 combat system weapons

The Outer Worlds 2 Shows Off Combat and Weapons

Obsidian shows how it evolved the combat systems of its sci-fi RPG with a first look at The Outer Worlds 2 combat and weapons.

Following the Xbox Games Showcase, Obsidian Entertainment provided fans with a more detailed look at The Outer Worlds 2. Players saw new companions like Inez, learned about three factions that players can choose to join or battle against, as well as how the game world reacts to player choices. The reveal also confirmed that The Outer Worlds 2 would be the first Xbox game to move to the new $79.99 price point as well, likely opening the door for future Microsoft Game Studio titles like Gears of War E-Day.

The Outer Worlds 2 Is Launching at $79.99

While Microsoft did confirm increased prices for Xbox consoles and games back in May, the first game using these higher numbers, being The Outer Worlds 2, probably surprised many players. For those who are disappointed by the more expensive price point, the Sci-fi RPG sequel from Obsidian will be available on Game Pass at launch. Outer Worlds 2 also has a Premium Edition set at $99.99, which comes with in-game items, a digital art book, and access to two future story expansions.

Most players assume Grand Theft Auto 6 will likely launch with a higher price tag, though there are still questions about how fast other companies will try to adapt to this standard. The upcoming shooter Borderlands 4 is one such game, as Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford has caused controversy recently over comments made online. While Pitchford has backtracked on his comments at this point and has stated he has no idea what the final price will be, he initially added fuel to the fire by stating that no matter the price, real fans would find a way to make it happen.