In a surprising turn of events, Obsidian Entertainment has announced a significant price reduction for their upcoming title The Outer Worlds 2, slashing the launch price from $80 to $70 just months before its October 29 release. This decision comes after initial backlash from the gaming community when the higher price point was revealed, marking a potential shift in Microsoft's pricing strategy for first-party titles.

The original $80 price tag, first introduced by Nintendo for Mario Kart World, was poised to become the new standard for AAA games on Xbox platforms. However, the negative reception to The Outer Worlds 2's pricing, coupled with potentially disappointing pre-order numbers, appears to have prompted Microsoft to reconsider this strategy. Players who pre-ordered at the higher price will receive $10 refunds, and the game will still be available on Xbox Game Pass from day one.

Several factors likely contributed to this reversal. The crowded fall release schedule, featuring heavy hitters like Ghost of Yotei and Battlefield 6, may have made the $80 price point particularly risky. Additionally, the game's simultaneous launch on Xbox Game Pass creates an alternative for players to experience the title at a fraction of the cost, potentially cannibalizing full-price sales.

This pricing adjustment raises important questions about the future of AAA game pricing strategies. While Microsoft may reserve the $80 tag for flagship titles like Call of Duty, this incident demonstrates that market reception and competitive pressures can force rapid strategy changes. The move ultimately benefits consumers and may improve The Outer Worlds 2's commercial prospects in a competitive market.