Obsidian’s upcoming RPG, The Outer Worlds 2, has sparked significant backlash following the announcement that it will launch on PS5 at an $80 / £70 price point this October.
After a strong showing at the Xbox Games Showcase, the game’s Steam page revealed the $80 pre-order price, marking it as one of Microsoft’s first titles to adopt this higher retail cost. This move surprised many fans and industry observers, especially since The Outer Worlds was not typically viewed as a major AAA blockbuster deserving of such a premium price.
The original Outer Worlds is respected for its solid RPG mechanics, and the sequel is expected to build on that foundation. However, the $80 price tag has been widely criticized given the series’ scope and genre, with many questioning the rationale behind setting such a high cost.
The reaction has been overwhelmingly negative across social media, Reddit, and comment sections. A public poll conducted by Push Square showed that 53% of over 1,000 respondents would not pay $80 for the sequel, while 35% have no plans to buy it regardless of price. Only 12% remain enthusiastic about the game despite the steep cost.
PS5 players’ dissatisfaction raises questions about Microsoft’s strategy. Some speculate the high retail price is intended to encourage subscriptions to Xbox Game Pass instead, though recent success with PS5 ports complicates this narrative.
As The Outer Worlds 2 approaches its October release, its commercial success on PS5 remains uncertain. The community awaits to see if the pricing decision will impact sales or if Microsoft has a broader plan in mind.