As players prepared to dive back into the acidic and satirical universe of The Outer Worlds 2a major surprise awaited fans from the day of release: a marked price drop on several platforms. The science fiction RPG from Obsidian Entertainment, although highly anticipated, displays prices much lower than those generally attributed to a major production.
A knock-down price launch for a AAA RPG
Since October 24, The Outer Worlds 2 is officially available in its Premium version, and yet, barely released, the game can be found at prices well below the €70 usually charged for a game of this scale. On specialized platforms like Allkeyshop, players have already spotted offers around €47 on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X.
Enough to throw off more than one player. This reduced price launch is all the more remarkable as the title includes cutting-edge technical improvements (4K, ray tracing, DLSS, FSR, HDR) and a content density that rivals the blockbusters of the moment. This is not a watered-down or limited version, but the complete experience – with the Premium Edition which includes two narrative expansions and exclusive bonuses.
A bold commercial strategy
This early price drop could mark a shift in the commercial strategy of narrative RPG publishers. By opting for an aggressive pricing policy from day 1, Obsidian seems to want to prioritize accessibility and a high sales volume rather than an elitist entry ticket.
An approach which is reminiscent of that of Rockstar with GTA 6, which recently surprised by announcing a standard price for a highly anticipated game. In the current economic context, where inflation is weighing on leisure budgets, these decisions appear to be signs of listening and pragmatism on the part of the studios.
The Outer Worlds 2: between moral choices and intergalactic chaos
In this sequel, players leave Halcyon to discover Arcadia, a new colony where corporate conflicts, popular revolts and supernatural events mix in an explosive cocktail. The player plays an agent of the Earth Directory responsible for investigating threatening galactic anomalies.
The system of choices and consequences is at the heart of the experience. Each companion has their own goals, dilemmas, and lines of dialogue. The approach is deliberately flexible: it is possible to favor diplomacy, cunning or brute force. The fate of the colony rests on your decisions, and the story ramifications promise to be rich.
An offer to watch closely
Thanks to comparators like that of Allkeyshop, buyers can follow price drops and the best offers from reputable resellers in real time. With such a launch strategy, The Outer Worlds 2 becomes not only a video game event, but also an excellent deal for those who were waiting for the right moment to checkout.
This kind of aggressive launch is rare for a major single-player RPG. We will have to monitor whether this is a one-off marketing stunt or a signal of a more global change in the way games are priced in the post-pandemic era.