UPDATES: First party digital game prices raised on Xbox One

Microsoft has upped the price of its first party digital games for Xbox One.

NowGamer reports that the download versions of Forza 5, Ryse: Son of Rome and Dead Rising 3 have all seen their prices increased from the 44.99 they cost at launch to 49.99.

Why Microsoft would do this is left purely to speculation.

Pressure from retailers? An incentive for retailers, who are perhaps so far seeing more excitement about PS4 in store, to maintain their current Xbox One shelf space? Or was this always the plan once the launch period had passed?

Either way, it’s unlikely to please the many voices who have already criticised next-gen digital software pricing and questioned why a material and logistics-free digital product should cost more than a boxed and shipped physical product.

UPDATE: Microsoft has confirmed the price rise.

"Pricing for select digital content in some markets has changed since launch. Digital content pricing is subject to change and we may occasionally offer various deals or promotions. Ultimately pricing and promotions will vary by region.”