Microsoft Set To Raise First-Party Xbox Game Prices In 2023

If you thought that Sony would be the only first-party company to boost its game prices to $70 U.S.…um, you better think again.
Yesterday, Microsoft announced that it would increase the prices of its first-party produced games to $70 in U.S. dollars, up from the $60 they currently sell for. These are mainly for Xbox Series S/X, though it’s likely that Xbox One versions will also be about the same price. (That means Canadian gamers and others in international markets are likely to pay even more.)
“This price reflects the content, scale, and technical complexity of these titles,” the company noted, pointing out such examples as Redfall, Starfield and Forza Motorsport.
That said, it doesn’t appear that the price will increase on the Xbox Game Pass service. At least, not yet. “As with all games developed by our teams at Xbox, they will also be available with Game Pass the same day they launch,” the Xbox rep confirmed during the announcement.
Considering all the money Microsoft has poured into acquisitions (including a rather costly one for Activision Blizzard that’s still pending approval), this isn’t too big a shock. However, it just goes to show the continuing pace of the market. And leaves you wondering what third-party companies could follow suit.
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