Outer Worlds 2 has become the first title from Xbox Game Studios to be priced at $80

The Outer Worlds 2 is set to become the inaugural Xbox game to be priced at $80, aligning with Microsoft's recent announcement regarding price increases. This adjustment, specified last month, is part of a broader strategy affecting first-party titles, peripherals, and consoles.

The game, developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published under Xbox Game Studios, is scheduled for release on October 29, 2025, coinciding with the onset of the holiday shopping period.

Microsoft has indicated that these adjustments are a response to prevailing market dynamics and the escalating expenses associated with game development. "We understand these changes are significant, and were made thoughtfully," the company stated.

Future plans include expanding gaming accessibility across various platforms while delivering value to Xbox users.

The decision to increase prices for Xbox titles comes in the wake of a similar move by Nintendo, which set the price for its leading game, Mario Kart World, at $80 for both physical and digital formats. This decision drew considerable criticism from the gaming community.

Doug Bowser, President of Nintendo of America, defended the pricing by underscoring the value embedded in the gaming experience, stating that factors like gameplay content and duration contribute to determining price levels.

GamesIndustry.biz consulted analysts for insights on why Nintendo's game prices have surged, identifying global inflation and rising development costs as key influencers.