Game releases in 2025 are becoming increasingly out of control. I remember not too long ago when I could walk into my local EB Games or JB Hi-Fi and pick up any game I wanted for less than $100 AUD. In most cases, this is still the norm. However, as highlighted by eagle-eyed Reddit user MarkGimmetheZUCK over on r/pcmasterrace, the new release for The Outer Worlds 2 is available for pre-order at $99.99 CAD and here in Australia for $119.95 AUD.
This prompted us to do a bit of digging ourselves, and the findings were even more surprising. We discovered two more pre-orders well over $100 AUD: METAL GEAR SOLID Δ: SNAKE EATER Digital Deluxe Edition is on pre-order for $131.95 AUD, and Destiny 2: Year of Prophecy Ultimate Edition is available for pre-order at an eye-watering $149.95 AUD.
While these are premium digital deluxe versions, the base games are still priced over $100 AUD, with Metal Gear Solid selling for $116.95 AUD. At these prices, it’s hard to imagine that anyone other than hardcore fans will be picking up these Digital Deluxe versions—or even the base game in some cases. Instead, many might consider other options, including Xbox Game Pass subscriptions, which offer access to a wide library of games for a monthly fee.
This trend is concerning. If we continue to see prices for games and DLC increase, it could potentially lead to smaller audiences for these studios, as gamers become more selective about which titles they decide to purchase.
