Xbox games are getting more expensive

Microsoft’s own Xbox games are getting a price bump going forward, but Game Pass users don’t need to worry just yet

Microsoft has announced that its first-party Xbox Games will be getting more expensive going forward, with games such as Starfield and Redfall to be pricier than some expected.

Microsoft announced the news in statements made to the press, attributed to spokespersons for the company. A statement provided to Eurogamer confirmed that future first-party games, including upcoming massive sci-fi RPG Starfield, will launch at $69.99 USD (AU$104), up from the current $59.99 (AU$89).

“We’ve held on price increases until after the holidays so families can enjoy the gift of gaming,” the statement said, “Starting in 2023 our new, built for next-gen, full-priced games, including Forza Motorsport, Redfall, and Starfield, will launch at $69.99 USD on all platforms. This price reflects the content, scale, and technical complexity of these titles”.

As noted, the price increase will apply only to new titles targeted at the Xbox Series S and X, and only those made by Microsoft’s own studios. Other publishers may choose to follow suit, and cross-generation games are expected to stay at the existing price.

In Australia, a first-party Xbox game typically costs about $100, and it’s expected that this price increase, when converted to Australian dollars and having tax applied, will probably result in a pricing of about $125. Sony’s first-party PlayStation 5 games have been selling for this higher price since the PS5’s launch.

Redfall is an upcoming multiplayer shooter game developed by Arkane, who previously developed 2017’s Prey. Picture: Bethesda Softworks

Unlike PlayStation games, however, Microsoft says that its games will still be included on its subscription service, Game Pass, on day one. Game Pass allows Xbox and PC players to get access to all first-party and some third-party titles on Microsoft platforms for as little as $10.95 a month.

Microsoft and Sony aren’t the only publishers offering games at a higher price this generation, however. Ubisoft, Take-Two, and EA have all sold games above the $100 AUD mark for PS5 and Xbox Series versions of games, and it’s expected that more publishers will follow suit after Microsoft raises its own prices.

Forza Horizon 5 released in 2021 to widespread critical acclaim, with its racing and arcade mechanics praised by press and fans alike. Picture: Xbox Game Studios

Microsoft has been toying with the idea of an Xbox streaming console, but says it is “years” from release. The streaming console, codenamed Keystone, would use Xbox Game Pass’ internet streaming feature to allow players to play Xbox games on any display with an HDMI port, but Microsoft says it can’t get the price low enough yet.

It’s not the only console that’s years away, either. Both Microsoft and Sony have said that there won’t be any new Xbox or PlayStation consoles before 2028. That’s not surprising, given the PS5 and Xbox Series only released in 2020, but anyone holding out for whatever reason should know they’re in for a long wait.

Written by Oliver Brandt on behalf of GLHF.