The Outer Worlds 2 May Have Signaled the End of a Short Era

Those eager for The Outer Worlds 2 have even more to celebrate now, as developer Obsidian Entertainment has decided to back-track on the game's price increase. Once expected to be $80 USD, The Outer Worlds 2 will now be $70 USD at launch. With the game set to hit the scene later this fall, pedaling back on the new price is a surprising turn of events, but a welcome one.

Fall's gaming lineup is backed with some major offerings. Between Borderlands 4, Ghost of Yotei, and Little Nightmares 3, The Outer Worlds 2 has some stiff competition waiting on the horizon. This year has been filled with strong titles, but one growing concern among fans is that games are destined to grow more expensive. With Mario Kart World priced at $80 and The Outer Worlds 2 originally following suit, many expected this increase to be the new normal, but that may not be the case after all, thanks to Obsidian's bold pivot.

Halo Studios Helped Development On Major Feature of The Outer Worlds 2

Obsidian Entertainment enlisted the help of fellow Xbox team Halo Studios in ensuring one aspect of The Outer Worlds 2 feels right.

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By John Bonelli

Obsidian's Outer Worlds 2 Change Might Hold Off the Price Increase Avalanche, at Least for Now

Other Developers May Take Note

There is already a list of yet-to-be-released games that many have speculated will cost $80. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Fable, Gears of War: E-Day, and last, but definitely not least, GTA 6, are some of the most likely candidates to be given a price hike. There have even been rumors that GTA 6 could cost $100. Of course, this has yet to be confirmed, so any rumors or theories should be taken lightly, but many have been bracing for higher prices to be the new standard.

However, now that Obsidian is holding off on diving into the $80 waters, other developers may be ready to rethink increasing their prices, as well. Since this Outer Worlds 2 news is incredibly fresh, there's currently no way to know for sure how this will impact the industry, if at all. Other AAA developers could still fully embrace $80 price tags, especially since Nintendo has got the ball rolling.

Those who pre-ordered The Outer Worlds 2 at the original price are expected to get a $10 refund.

Even if Obsidian Inspired Other Developers, it May Not Last

Unfortunately, the arrival of $80 AAA games feels inevitable. On the bright side, Obsidian's surprising decision may spare gamers a little more time before this pricing becomes the standard. Once GTA 6 gets here, though, the floodgates are bound to be opened for higher prices. It's unclear when Rockstar will announce an official price for GTA 6, but it would be pretty shocking if it was still $70.

Yes, other upcoming games like Borderlands 4 and Ghost of Yotei are sticking with the $70 base price, but GTA 6 is expected to mark a new era for the industry. Whether it be with graphics, mechanics, or its price tag, GTA 6 is bound to be incredibly influential in the years to come, especially as the life cycle of this current generation of consoles is winding down.

Once GTA 6 gets here, though, the floodgates are bound to be opened for higher prices.

The Outer Worlds 2 is Waiting in the Wings

The Outer Worlds 2 launches on October 29, 2025.
The RPG will be available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.

Despite the growing concern that AAA games are destined to grow more and more expensive, The Outer Worlds 2's price decrease is a glimmer of hope. The Outer Worlds 2 is promising an exciting experience for players, and lowering the price will potentially draw in a larger audience at launch. With a portion of gamers waiting for titles to go on sale and many AAA games launching in incomplete or buggy states, potential price hikes have understandably been controversial. Obsidian negotiating a cheaper price is shocking, but it can also be powerful.

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