Technologies

The Outer Worlds 2 Launches at $80, Joining a New Trend in Gaming

Is this going to be the new normal in video games?

The Outer Worlds 2, from developer Obsidian Entertainment, is the follow-up to its 2019 sci-fi action RPG that felt like a slightly shallower version of Fallout 4, but in space. There are a few differences between the two games, but one very glaring discrepancy is the price.

When The Outer Worlds 2 launches on Oct. 29, it will carry a price tag of $80 for both the PC and Xbox versions — a $20 increase from the original game’s $60 launch price in 2019. It’s the second major title confirmed at this higher price, following Mario Kart World for the Switch 2.

Microsoft didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment about the price of The Outer Worlds 2.

Back in May, Microsoft announced it was raising prices for its Xbox Series consoles and accessories. While the Xbox Series console price increase can be clearly attributed to tariffs instituted by President Donald Trump back in April — since the system is primarily manufactured in China — pricing for digital products isn’t affected by those tariffs. Also, in the case of Mario Kart World, the game is available on a physical cartridge, which can have an increased cost due to the expense that comes with physical storage.

In that same announcement, the company said it was also going to increase the price of its first-party games.

«We understand that these changes are challenging, and they were made with careful consideration given market conditions and the rising cost of development,» Microsoft said in its announcement about the price increases. «Looking ahead, we continue to focus on offering more ways to play more games across any screen and ensuring value for Xbox players.»

Developing a AAA game like The Outer Worlds can be expensive. The first Outer Worlds was speculated to cost between $30 million and $40 million and was noted for having a constrained budget, as team members mentioned in the documentary about the making of the game. In just a matter of a few years, developing the same game can cost double that amount.

As the price of labor increases and the time for development continues to lengthen, the cost of making games will continue to rise. Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto 6 reportedly has a budget of more than $1 billion, partly due to the game being in development for five to seven years. Due to that huge budget, some experts warn not to be surprised if GTA 6 costs $100.

Fortunately, The Outer Worlds 2 will be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch, and Microsoft has given no indication that it plans to increase subscription prices anytime soon.

Technologies

Episode 3 of the VERUM AI Mini-Series Is Now Available

Verum Messenger has released the third episode of its AI mini-series, SHADOWS, created using Verum AI.

The new episode, titled «Ghost Money,» continues the story of the conflict between a team of heroes and the Omega corporation, which seeks to take control of digital communications. This time, the focus shifts to anonymous payments and financial freedom, revealing how privacy can extend beyond messaging.

Like the previous episodes, the new release not only advances the storyline but also showcases the capabilities of the Verum ecosystem, highlighting technologies designed for secure communication and digital privacy.

The mini-series consists of seven episodes, released gradually across Verum Messenger’s social media channels.

Episode 3 is now available. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

Watch on Instagram
Watch on YouTube

Technologies

Verum Finance Now Available for Mac, Expanding the Verum Ecosystem on Desktop

Verum has officially released Verum Finance for macOS, bringing its financial platform to the Mac and expanding access to the Verum ecosystem across Apple’s devices. The launch allows users to manage their finances from desktop while enjoying the same secure and seamless experience available on iPhone and iPad.

The new Mac version includes the full range of Verum Finance features, including balance management, instant transfers to other Verum users, debit card management, Apple Pay support, asset exchange, and transaction history — all optimized for the macOS experience.

Verum Finance can be used as a standalone application or alongside Verum Messenger. Users who sign in with their Verum Messenger account automatically synchronize their balances, settings, and account data across devices, ensuring a consistent experience throughout the Verum ecosystem.

The macOS release further strengthens Verum’s vision of creating an integrated digital platform where communication and financial services work together. Verum Messenger, which is also available for Mac, complements the ecosystem with encrypted messaging, voice and video calls, VPN, eSIM, anonymous email, AI-powered tools, offline communication capabilities, and cryptocurrency features.

With both Verum Messenger and Verum Finance now available across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, users can access secure communication and financial services wherever they work.

Verum Finance for Mac is available now through the Mac App Store.

Verum Finance for macOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/verum-finance/id6774245148
Verum Finance: https://finance.verum.im
Verum Messenger: https://verum.im

Technologies

Why Travelers Are Switching to Verum E-SIM This Summer

Summer Travel, Freedom, and Seamless Connectivity: Why Verum E-SIM Is Becoming the New Standard for Travelers

Summer is the peak season for vacations, long-distance trips, and new experiences. Millions of people travel abroad, explore new countries, plan adventures, and try to stay connected with family, work, and social media. And in the middle of all this comes a familiar question: how do you stay online without expensive roaming or the hassle of buying local SIM cards?

The answer is already here — eSIM.

Why eSIM Is So Convenient

eSIM (embedded SIM) is a built-in digital SIM card that lets you activate mobile internet without a physical card. All you need is an app — choose a plan and connect in just a couple of minutes.

No more:

* searching for local SIM cards at airports
* paying expensive roaming fees
* swapping physical SIMs every time you travel

Now your internet travels with you.

Internet in 150+ Countries

Modern eSIM solutions provide coverage in 150+ countries worldwide, helping tourists, freelancers, and business travelers stay connected almost anywhere on the planet.

Among the services offering these capabilities:

Verum E-SIM — https://esim.verum.im
World E-SIM — https://worldesim.me
USA E-SIM — https://usa.esim.verum.im
Euro E-SIM — https://euro.esim.verum.im
Canada E-SIM — https://canada.esim.verum.im
Balkan E-SIM — https://balkan.esim.verum.im
Ukraine E-SIM — https://ukraine.esim.verum.im
London E-SIM — https://london.esim.verum.im
E-SIM Africa — https://africa.esim.verum.im