The release of The Outer Worlds 2 is set to make waves with a price tag of $80, marking it as the first Xbox-published game to carry such a hefty price point.
However, in an interview at the Summer Game Fest, Obsidian Entertainment’s director, Brandon Adler, was quick to clarify that the developers had no say in the pricing decision.
“The price is set by the platform holders,” Adler said, referring to Xbox, which recently confirmed that several first-party games will carry the same price from this holiday season onward.
The Outer Worlds 2, set to launch on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S on October 29, is the first example of this price shift.
“I wish everybody could play my game,” Adler continued, acknowledging the challenges the higher price could pose to some fans.
“But for the reasons behind the $79.99 price point, you’d have to talk to the Xbox folks,” he said, carefully deflecting any personal opinions on the matter.
This price hike follows a trend seen with other major titles, such as Nintendo’s Mario Kart World for the Switch 2, which debuted at the same price earlier this year.
With the rising costs of AAA game production, discussions surrounding $80 games have intensified, especially as other publishers like Sony and Nintendo have implemented similar pricing structures.
While the high cost of games may continue to be a point of contention, it’s clear that the industry is evolving in response to production costs and market trends.
Fans of the video game franchise have been voicing their criticisms online.
The Outer World 2 trailer being sarcastic about "Capitalism" and whatnot just to launch with the $80 price tag... https://t.co/bONLjL55WU pic.twitter.com/QTjiT2fNCz
— Vboy (@The_Vboy) June 8, 2025
"Oh, it's Inflation raising game prices."
— Fake Wizard (@RealLifeFakeWiz) June 9, 2025
Yeah, no.
Expedition 33 is $50 and was released like 8 weeks ago.
It's one of the greatest games I've ever played.
And it cost $50 bucks.
$80 for Mario Kart and Outer Worlds 2 is PURE GREED. pic.twitter.com/VZHWrpcI4r
PSA: Do Not buy The Outer Worlds 2 for $80. Instead get it on Game Pass, as it will be on that service at launch. This Xbox $10 price increase feels REALLY bad, especially on games like this. pic.twitter.com/yyYavTBP32
— Joe Vargas (@AngryJoeShow) June 9, 2025
As someone who is insanely hyped for The Outer Worlds 2, $80 is a scam.
— 🅁🄴🅃🅁🄾 🏳️🌈🇺🇦 (@totallynotretro) June 9, 2025
No, " just get Game Pass" is not a valid counter.
I do not want my access to games locked behind a subscription, which keeps getting more expensive.
Shame on @Xbox for hurting the hype of this for greed. pic.twitter.com/qZ7ExlYL8m
Whether The Outer Worlds 2 will become the new norm remains to be seen, but fans of the RPG are already gearing up for its launch, eager to explore the absurd perks that Adler and his team have packed into the new title.
The conversation around pricing is set to continue as other upcoming titles, like Borderlands 4, spark heated debates among fans and developers alike.
Gearbox boss Randy Pitchford, for instance, has faced backlash after suggesting that true fans would find a way to afford the higher price tag. As the industry moves forward, how players and developers navigate these changes will likely shape the future of gaming.
In the meantime, The Outer Worlds 2 promises an eccentric journey through its RPG universe, with the game’s quirky features already catching the attention of many.
The launch in October will no doubt spark further discussions, not only about its pricing but also about its place in the ever-expanding world of AAA gaming.
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