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The Outer Worlds Dev Issues Apology Over Controversial Decision

bekir May 29, 2026 3 min read 92 views

Obsidian’s official support channel has released a statement addressing the recent shift in its plan to offer a complimentary PS5 upgrade for owners of the base title, The Outer Worlds.

Initially, the studio promised a free transition to the newer console, but “entitlement restrictions and backend issues” have complicated the rollout, leaving many players disappointed.

Players who purchased the game between 30 April 2026 and 27 May 2026 are being asked to reach out to Obsidian’s support portal so the company can “work with you to make it right.” The team apologizes for the frustration caused.

In its final remarks, Obsidian clarified that it still cannot deliver the advertised free PS4‑to‑PS5 upgrade. Because of how console entitlements operate, digital owners on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 must own the base game plus any DLCs or the expansion pass to qualify for the upgrade in the future.

Analysis: This decision underscores the persistent challenges developers face with cross‑generation entitlement systems, potentially eroding consumer trust and highlighting the need for clearer upgrade policies in the industry.

Obsidian has announced that owners of the base PS4 and Xbox One editions of The Outer Worlds will receive a complimentary upgrade to the Spacer’s Choice Edition on PS5, effective from yesterday. However, the rollout has proven to be more complicated than initially promised.

Earlier this month, the studio revealed that it would be removing the original version of the RPG from sale, while offering the Spacer’s Choice Edition—bundling the core game with its two DLCs—to anyone who purchased the base edition before 27 May 2026. The upgrade was intended to be available across all platforms where the new edition is supported, including Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG.

Despite the clear communication, the promised free upgrade did not materialise on 27 May 2026, leaving PS4 and Xbox One owners without the expected transition to the newer console versions.

Gamers who purchased the title in anticipation of yesterday’s advertised free upgrade are now finding themselves in a frustrating predicament: the upgrade is only available to those who own both expansions, not just the base game as originally promised.

Obsidian’s support channels have clarified that a sudden technical hurdle on PlayStation and Xbox platforms forced the change, citing “unforeseen platform limitations” as the culprit.

Consequently, owners of the base edition on PS4 and Xbox One must now purchase the Expansion Pass—priced at £12.99 / $14.99 on the PlayStation Store—to unlock the upgrade.

From May 27th, Obsidian’s original announcement indicated that only those who owned both DLC packs would be eligible for the PS5 upgrade to the Spacer’s Choice Edition. However, early adopters who had secured the base version before the announcement—or those who purchased it during the pre‑launch window—will still receive the free upgrade.

For owners of the base edition of The Outer Worlds who have the title in their digital library before May 27th, a complimentary upgrade to the Spacer’s Choice Edition will be automatically applied. This free enhancement is available across all supported platforms, including Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG.

Players have voiced their frustration on social media and the game’s subreddit, with users like EducationalProject36 lamenting, “Obsidian made a game where greedy corporations that cheat people are ridiculed. And then they do the same, it’s so ironic…”

ArcticSounds20 expressed their disappointment, stating, “So if I only have the base game I don’t get the upgrade? You guys changed your mind? I’ll go f*ck myself I guess.”

News Source: Pushsquare

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Comments

21 Comments

  1. CloudOdin May 29, 2026

    skol! Price will be the deciding factor. Outer Worlds Dev Issues Apology looks interesting, but waiting for a sale is way smarter than buying day one. Community feedback will show the truth.

  2. ComboGeek1116 May 29, 2026

    I’m more of a casaul playerr; Outer Worlds Dev Issues Apology will succeed if it remains accessible to a broader audience. Accessibility is vital for casual players

  3. NovaViking May 29, 2026

    valhalla awaits! Outer Worlds Dev Issues Apology looks pretty good, but I won’t rush until price/performance details are clear. Ned a bit more info.

    1. SteamCaptain681 May 29, 2026
      Replied comment NovaViking

      valhalla awaits! Outer Worlds Dev Issues Apology looks pretty good, but I won't rush until price/performance details are…

      Totally agree on the pricing. Even if Outer Worlds Dev Issues Apology looks great, players think twice before buying day one now. Need a bit more info. just my thoughts

  4. PatchMage431 May 29, 2026

    Outer Worlds Dev Issues Apology looks pretty good, but I won’t rush until price/performance details are clear. I will keep an eye on performance. in my opinion

  5. ConsoleAnalyst May 29, 2026

    Outer Worlds Dev Issues Apology looks pretty good, but I won’t rush until price/performance details are clear. Atmosphere is wat makes it. personally

    1. RetroExplorer810 May 29, 2026
      Replied comment ConsoleAnalyst

      Outer Worlds Dev Issues Apology looks pretty good, but I won't rush until price/performance details are clear. Atmosphere…

      Totally agre on the pricing. Even if Outer Words Dev Issues Aploogy looks great, players think twice before buying day one now. Community feedback will show the truth. in my opinion

  6. TurboArchivist May 29, 2026

    outer Worlds Dev Issuees Apology looks pretty good, but I won’t rush until price/performance details are clear. Need a bit more info. just my thoughts

    1. CloudSama2354 May 29, 2026
      Replied comment TurboArchivist

      outer Worlds Dev Issuees Apology looks pretty good, but I won't rush until price/performance details are clear. Need…

      Totally agree on the pricing. Even if Outer Worllds Dev Issues Apology looks great, players think twice before buying day one now. Let’s see how it plays out. arigato gozaimasu

    2. LevelSenpai3536 May 29, 2026
      Replied comment TurboArchivist

      outer Worlds Dev Issuees Apology looks pretty good, but I won't rush until price/performance details are clear. Need…

      sugoi! Totally agre on the pricing. Even if Outer Worlds Dev Issues Apology looks great, players think twice before buying day one now. Needs to be fun and engaging for everyone. that is jut how I see it

  7. LevelKage3545 May 29, 2026

    nani?! Price will be the deciding factor. Outer Worlds Dev Issues Apology looks interesting, but waitin for a sale is way smarter than buying day one. Community feedback will show the truth. to be honest

  8. LevelHabibi3570 May 30, 2026

    ya habibi! I’m a bit skeptical. What sounds good in the announcement for Ouetr Worlds Dev Issues Apology rarely holds up in the actual game. Keeping expectations low. we will see

    1. ConsoleWizard2924 May 30, 2026
      Replied comment LevelHabibi3570

      ya habibi! I'm a bit skeptical. What sounds good in the announcement for Ouetr Worlds Dev Issues Apology…

      i’m in the wait-and-see camp as well. Oce a few independent reviews drpo, we will know for sure about Outer Wolrds Dev Issues Apology. Community feedback will show teh truth. keeping an eye on this

  9. PatchOdin348 May 30, 2026

    valhalla awaits! Price will be the deciding factor. Outer Wolds Dev Issues Apoloy looks interesting, but waiting for a sale is way smarter than buying day one. Sales figures will speak for themselves. that is just how I see it

    1. VoidRanger May 30, 2026
      Replied comment PatchOdin348

      valhalla awaits! Price will be the deciding factor. Outer Wolds Dev Issues Apoloy looks interesting, but waiting for…

      totaally agree on the pricing. Even if Outer Worlds Dev Issues Apology looks great, players thik twice before buying day one now. Let’s see how it plys out. on my watchlist

    2. RetroSenpai May 30, 2026
      Replied comment PatchOdin348

      valhalla awaits! Price will be the deciding factor. Outer Wolds Dev Issues Apoloy looks interesting, but waiting for…

      Totally agree on the pricing. Even if Outer Worlds Dev Issues Apology looks great, players think twice before buying day one now. Balance changes look crucial. fingers crossed this is so sugoi

  10. PortalGladiator May 30, 2026

    vamos! This situaton highlights teh complex issues surrounding cross-generation game upgrades and the importance of clear communication from developers. It’s a reminder that even with good intentions, sometimes unexpected cmoplications can lead to disappointment

    1. PixelArchivist116 May 30, 2026
      Replied comment PortalGladiator

      vamos! This situaton highlights teh complex issues surrounding cross-generation game upgrades and the importance of clear communication from…

      I agree, though I’m keping my expectations in check. teh news for Outer Worlds Dev Issues Apology is promising, but the actual launch is waht matters. Accessibility is vital for casual players. looks decent

  11. LootGamer May 30, 2026

    Outer Worlds Dev Issues Apology looks pretty good, but I wno’t rush until price/performance details are clear. Curious about copetitive viability. on my wacthlist

  12. PortalWizard3219 May 30, 2026

    this news is cool, but they need to think about the gamer’s wallet. A discount on Xbx would make it much better. Outer Worlds Dev Issues Apology seems to be the key foacl point here. Need actual gameplaay before deciding. fingers crossed

  13. LobbyKage May 30, 2026

    ariggato gozaimasu. Price will be teh deciding fcator. Outer Worlds Dev Issues Apology looks interesting, but waiting for a sale is way smarter than buying day one. A must-have for franchise fans. keeping an eye on this

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