Outer Worlds 2 Preorder Price Cuts to $70 After Backlash

Microsoft Adjusts Pricing for The Outer Worlds 2 and Other Holiday 2025 Titles

Microsoft recently made a notable shift in its pricing strategy for The Outer Worlds 2, reducing the pre-order price from $80 to $70 as of July 23, 2025. This decision came after significant consumer backlash, highlighting that the gaming community is still not fully accepting of $80 as the new standard for game prices.

Price Cut Details

The most immediate change is the reduction in the pre-order price for The Outer Worlds 2. Originally set at $80, the price was lowered to $70 in response to player concerns and negative reactions. This move reflects a broader recognition that the market is not yet ready to embrace higher price points without a compelling value proposition.

Refund Process Varies by Platform

The refund process for those who had already pre-ordered at the $80 price has been anything but straightforward. Different platforms have implemented their own methods:

• Steam: Users will see their original transaction reversed and recharged at the new $70 price.
• Battle.net: Players are required to cancel their existing preorder and place a new one at the reduced price.
• Xbox/Windows Store: Customers will be charged $80 ten days before the game’s release and then receive a $10 credit back afterward. This method has been criticized as unnecessarily complicated.

Expansion of the $70 Cap

This adjustment isn’t limited to The Outer Worlds 2. Microsoft has quietly extended the $70 price cap to other first-party games scheduled for release during the Holiday 2025 season. However, the company has maintained its commitment to Game Pass, ensuring that Ultimate subscribers gain day-one access to The Outer Worlds 2.

Reasons Behind the Change

Microsoft cited “market conditions” as the reason for the price rollback, indicating that the $80 model generated too much negative feedback and potentially weak preorder numbers. This decision aligns with similar industry concerns, such as Nintendo's experience with the Switch 2 version of Mario Kart World, which also faced criticism for its high price point.

Clarifying Responsibility

It’s important to note that Obsidian Entertainment, the developer of The Outer Worlds 2, did not set the $80 price. According to director Brandon Adler, the decision was made by Microsoft. Initially, the publisher justified the increase as part of a new standard for expansive first-party titles. However, this reasoning was quickly challenged when the backlash became evident.

Broader Implications

Microsoft’s decision signals a larger policy shift. The company is no longer testing the waters with higher prices across its entire lineup. Instead, it’s adopting a more conservative approach, keeping prices at $70 for upcoming titles while maintaining the flexibility of Game Pass as a key selling point.

Industry Insights

Analysts suggest that factors like inflation and rising development costs are behind the initial push for $80 pricing. However, publishers are learning that increasing prices without a strong value proposition can lead to public relations challenges. The rollback of The Outer Worlds 2’s price serves as a cautionary tale for the industry, resetting expectations for future releases.

Summary

Microsoft reduced the pre-order price for The Outer Worlds 2 from $80 to $70 following consumer backlash, implemented a complex refund system depending on the platform, and expanded the $70 price cap to other holiday 2025 releases. The company continues to offer Game Pass as a safety net, ensuring that subscribers gain immediate access to new titles.