World of Warcraft to Raise Prices in Australia and New Zealand
Effective February 7th, Blizzard Entertainment will increase the cost of all World of Warcraft in-game transactions for players in Australia and New Zealand. This price adjustment affects various services, including subscriptions and in-game purchases.
The announcement, made on January 7th, cites global and regional market conditions as the reason for the increase. While players with active recurring subscriptions as of February 6th will retain their current rates for up to six months, new and renewing subscriptions will see a price hike.
This isn't the first time WoW has adjusted pricing globally to reflect economic shifts. However, the US price of a monthly subscription has remained at $14.99 since 2004, a stark contrast to the upcoming changes in Australia and New Zealand.
The new prices, detailed below, represent a several-dollar increase across the board. The monthly subscription will rise to AUD 23.95 and NZD 26.99, while the annual subscription will cap at AUD 249.00 and NZD 280.68. The WoW Token will increase to AUD 32.00 and NZD 36.00.
Revised World of Warcraft Pricing (Australia & New Zealand - Effective February 7th)
| Service | Australian Dollar (AUD) | New Zealand Dollar (NZD) |
|---|---|---|
| 12-Month Recurring Subscription | $249.00 | $280.68 |
| 6-Month Recurring Subscription | $124.50 | $140.34 |
| 3-Month Recurring Subscription | $67.05 | $75.57 |
| 1-Month Recurring Subscription | $23.95 | $26.99 |
| WoW Token | $32.00 | $36.00 |
| Blizzard Balance (WoW Token) | $24.00 | $27.00 |
| Name Change | $16.00 | $18.00 |
| Race Change | $40.00 | $45.00 |
| Character Transfer | $40.00 | $45.00 |
| Faction Change | $48.00 | $54.00 |
| Pets | $16.00 | $18.00 |
| Mounts | $40.00 | $45.00 |
| Guild Transfer & Faction Change | $56.00 | $63.00 |
| Guild Name Change | $32.00 | $36.00 |
| Character Boost | $96.00 | $108.00 |
While current exchange rates suggest a near parity with US pricing, the fluctuating nature of the Australian and New Zealand dollar means this alignment may not be permanent. Player reactions have been mixed, with some expressing criticism while others see it as a necessary short-term adjustment. Blizzard maintains the decision wasn't taken lightly and emphasizes the consideration of market conditions. The long-term impact of this price increase remains to be seen.
