Matt Booty Talks "Healthy Business" After Xbox Reverses Price Hike

In a significant win for gamers, Xbox Game Studios reversed its plans to sell The Outer Worlds 2 for $80. The company had originally intended to launch the highly anticipated sequel at this new premium price point, but a wave of negative player feedback, coupled with reportedly disappointing pre-order numbers, prompted a swift reconsideration. This move highlights the influence of community sentiment, as Xbox pivots back to a pricing model that prioritizes player goodwill over immediate revenue hikes.

Addressing the controversy in a recent interview with Variety, Matt Booty, Microsoft’s president of game content and studios, emphasized that the company’s primary goal remains delivering value. Booty explained that Xbox is committed to "meeting people where they are," signalling a shift in strategy where the standalone retail price of a game becomes less critical as players engage with titles through diverse avenues. He noted that there will be "less of a focus on what's the top-line price of a game" as monetization methods evolve.

The 'Healthy Business' Reality

However, Booty also mentioned the necessity of running a "healthy business," a phrase that has raised eyebrows among industry watchers. Historically, this terminology correlates with cost-cutting measures or price increases. 

Despite Matt describing the past year as a "great year" for the company, Xbox has navigated significant challenges, including substantial layoffs. This creates a complex backdrop for their current focus on "player value," suggesting that while they are listening to fans now, the financial pressures of the industry remain a constant factor.

While Xbox has reserved this specific price hike, the industry context suggests the $80 standard is still looming. Nintendo recently became the first major publisher to charge $80 for a standard release with Mario Kart World. 

Although that move faced criticism, the blow was somewhat softened because the game was bundled with the Nintendo Switch 2. Booty acknowledged these shifting models, stating that while they have no immediate pricing updates, they must balance fan feedback with business realities.

Speculation remains high regarding which future titles might eventually break the $80 barrier. With the relative underperformance of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 leading to a strategic shift in release schedules, flagship franchises like the next Call of Duty, Gears of War: E-Day, or Fable are seen as likely candidates for a future price increase. As the industry evolves, it remains to be seen whether fans will eventually accept the extra cost for these premium experiences or if the $70 standard will hold for a little longer.