Xbox plans to reassess its strategy on game pricing after deciding to retract the $80 recommended retail price set for Outer Worlds 2

Matt Booty, the leader of Xbox Game Studios, revealed that the company continues to reassess the pricing strategy for its new games.

He shared with Variety that they aim to "align with consumer expectations" concerning the pricing of their releases.

The comments follow Microsoft's announcement in June that Obsidian's The Outer Worlds 2 would be priced at $80. After facing criticism from users, the company rolled back this decision in July, launching the sci-fi RPG at $69.99.

The executive explained, "Our primary aim remains to ensure player satisfaction and provide value. We continually listen to our audience."

Booty further elaborated, indicating that as gamers begin to engage in diverse ways, the company's focus might shift from just setting a single price point. “Monetization is currently multifaceted, and feedback will continue to guide us,” he noted, emphasizing the balance between consumer feedback and sustainable business practices.

XBox is not alone in considering price changes; Nintendo also justifies the $80 price for Mario Kart World, launching with the Nintendo Switch 2, as a reasonable cost. Analyst Matthew Ball has also suggested a potential $100 price for GTA 6.

Booty also commented on the release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, describing it as among the most played games on Xbox currently. Activision announced a shift away from yearly releases due to disappointing feedback on the latest installment.

He remarked on the challenges of annually launching a major franchise, expressing pride in the team's progress and innovation. Highlighting Call of Duty's robust IP, Booty emphasized its potential to reliably offer content in a unique way through seasonal updates, which keeps players engaged year-round, stating satisfaction with the franchise's current direction.