Microsoft-owned Obsidian Entertainment announced a price drop for The Outer Worlds 2 from $79.99 to $69.99. The initial $79.99 price point was set earlier this year alongside a broader price increase for new Xbox first-party games and hardware. This price reduction suggests that pre-orders for The Outer Worlds 2 have been disappointing, prompting a reconsideration of the $79.99 pricing strategy.

Refunds will be issued through various platforms where the game was pre-ordered, including the Microsoft Store, Steam, and the PlayStation Store. The move raises questions about whether Microsoft will maintain its increased pricing model for future Xbox games.

Impact Statement: Microsoft's decision to lower The Outer Worlds 2's price could indicate a broader shift in its pricing strategy for Xbox games, potentially impacting future game releases and consumer spending.