An Xbox One controller sits on display below gaming passes at the new Microsoft flagship store in central London, UK, on 9 July 2019. (Bloomberg) 
The $10 bump, which was earlier reported by IGN, will affect next-generation games including Starfield, Redfall and Forza Motorsport, the company said in a statement. “This price reflects the content, scale, and technical complexity of these titles,” a spokesperson said. The games will be available as part of Microsoft’s subscription service, Game Pass, for $9.99 a month on Windows and Xbox consoles.
Many top games remained at a $60 price point for nearly two decades. In 2020, when Sony and Microsoft released their latest consoles, executives debated increasing the price in line with factors including the ballooning cost to develop games and inflation.
Microsoft said the company was holding off on the increase until after the holidays, “so families can enjoy the gift of gaming”.