Microsoft Cuts Xbox Game Prices in Europe as Gears of War: E-Day and Fable Drop to €69.99
European Xbox players may finally be getting a break on new game prices. Microsoft has started listing several major Xbox titles at €69.99 instead of the €79.99 price many fans expected, offering some relief at a time when gaming hardware and subscriptions are under growing pressure from rising costs.
One of the biggest examples is Gears of War: E-Day, which is now available for pre-order in Europe at €69.99. The upcoming Fable reboot, expected in February 2027, is also listed at the same lower price. Forza Horizon 6 is another title reportedly affected by the adjustment.
At first glance, a €10 reduction may not sound dramatic, but it matters more when comparing European prices with U.S. pricing. If Gears of War: E-Day had launched at €79.99, that would be roughly equivalent to about $93 before considering regional pricing differences. At €69.99, the price lands closer to $81, making the game feel more aligned with what U.S. players are used to paying for premium releases.
There is one important detail in this comparison: European prices usually include VAT, while advertised U.S. prices often do not include sales tax. Even with that difference, European gamers have often felt they pay more for the same digital games and hardware, so Microsoft’s lower pricing could be seen as a welcome move.
The change comes during a broader conversation around Xbox affordability. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has recently addressed concerns about rising costs across the platform, including console prices, Game Pass subscriptions, and the future of Xbox hardware. While much of the attention has been on current Xbox Series X and Series S pricing, as well as the next-generation Project Helix plans, lower first-party game prices could be another sign that Microsoft is trying to keep the ecosystem accessible.
Microsoft had previously faced criticism over the possibility of $80 first-party Xbox games in the U.S., but the company later stepped back from that plan. In Europe, however, premium pricing has remained a sensitive topic due to currency conversion, taxes, and regional pricing structures.
Game Pass also plays a major role in Microsoft’s pricing strategy. Instead of paying upfront for a Gears of War: E-Day pre-order, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers will be able to play the shooter on day one. That gives players another option, especially those who may not want to spend €69.99 on a single title at launch.
Sharma has also moved to address Game Pass affordability by reducing rates on some subscription tiers. The goal appears to be giving players more flexibility, whether they prefer buying games outright, subscribing to Game Pass, or choosing a lower-cost access point into the Xbox ecosystem.
Console pricing remains a tougher problem. Tariffs, supply chain challenges, and the ongoing memory shortage have pushed up the cost of producing Xbox Series X and Series S systems. Those pressures make it harder for Microsoft to reverse hardware price increases quickly.
Looking ahead, Project Helix could give Microsoft more room to experiment. Lower-end configurations, flexible hardware options, or even a buy now, pay later program could help make the next Xbox platform more affordable for a wider audience.
The company also appears aware that value matters more than ever. In late 2025, Xbox executive Matt Booty said Microsoft would consider “player value” in every decision. The new European pricing for Gears of War: E-Day, Fable, and other titles may be an early example of that approach in action.
For Xbox fans in Europe, the takeaway is simple: some of Microsoft’s biggest upcoming games may cost less than expected. With game prices, subscription fees, and console costs all under scrutiny, even a €10 reduction can make a difference. If Microsoft continues this strategy, it could strengthen Xbox’s position with players who want premium games without premium-price fatigue.
