Xbox’s recent move to $80 USD for new game releases was spotlighted at the Xbox Games Showcase, with The Outer Worlds 2 becoming the first Xbox Game Studios title at this price point.
For Canadian gamers, however, the cost is significantly higher. The Outer Worlds 2 is priced at $100 CAD for the standard edition and $130 CAD for the Premium Edition before taxes. With provincial and federal taxes reaching up to 15%, the final price can soar to approximately $115 and $150 CAD respectively.
These increases come amid broader price hikes for AAA games, exemplified by upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 titles like Super Mario Kart World and Super Mario Party Jamboree, priced at $110 and $115 CAD before tax.
Industry observers note that Xbox’s pricing strategy may also encourage adoption of its Game Pass subscription service as an alternative to purchasing expensive individual titles.
Despite exchange rates somewhat mitigating these costs when converted to USD or GBP, many gamers feel the rising prices are outpacing average wage growth, risking pricing out new players from AAA titles.
Brandon Adler, director of The Outer Worlds 2, clarified that pricing was set by Xbox, expressing a desire for broader accessibility. Meanwhile, discussions continue about the impact of these changes on gamers worldwide.
How are game prices affecting your purchasing decisions? Share your thoughts below.