Microsoft executive addresses potential $80 Xbox games after fans criticize price increases
Despite the rising costs of its consoles and Game Pass, Microsoft reconsidered launching $80 Xbox games. In a new Variety interview, President of Game Content & Studios Matt Booty discusses whether more expensive titles are inevitable. The executive hints that immediate Xbox price increases on games are unlikely, but he won’t rule out future hikes.
Before The Outer Worlds 2 release date, news broke that it would arrive with a $79.99 MSRP. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 may have also been pricier, which now seems foolish considering its sales slump. With gaming already less accessible, Microsoft decided against adding more stress to wallets. Nevertheless, buyers haven’t been as fortunate with Xbox consoles and subscription services.
Microsoft's approach to pricing Xbox games
When asked about its strategy, Booty emphasizes “delivering player satisfaction and delivering player value.” By selling optional content for its games, Microsoft can accommodate different budgets. With greater monetization potential, Booty places less emphasis on a title's initial cost.
During the interview, the executive pledges to “listen to the feedback from fans.” At the same time, the economic challenges that studios face are also a factor. The conversation ended with Booty confirming that Microsoft doesn’t “have any pricing updates.”
Even if first-party games are safe for now, buyers may not agree that the company values their input. Consumers have slammed Microsoft for other Xbox price increases on the Series X and S. In response, Black Friday discounts were nearly nonexistent on the systems. Meanwhile, the PS5 and, in some cases, the Switch 2, enjoyed temporary discounts.
While the console war may be all but over, Xbox Game Pass is rapidly becoming a multi-platform service. The Ultimate tier now costs $29.99 per month, prompting a wave of cancellations.
Memory shortages are also threatening to make gaming hardware even less affordable. Whether or not Microsoft, Sony, or Nintendo tries to offset those costs with higher-priced games remains to be seen.
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