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, announced on January 7th, cites global and regional market conditions as the reason.
While players with active subscriptions as of February 6th will retain their current rates for up to six months, the increase marks a significant change for Australian and New Zealand players. This isn't the first time WoW has adjusted pricing, reflecting broader economic shifts impacting global goods and services. However, the US price has remained stable at $14.99 since 2004.
The price hikes will vary across services. For example, the monthly subscription will rise from AUD $19.95 to AUD $23.95 and from NZD $23.99 to NZD $26.99. Annual subscriptions and WoW Tokens will also see price increases.
New World of Warcraft Pricing (AUD & NZD, Effective February 7th):
The following table details the new prices for various services:
| 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 | $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 might suggest parity with US prices, the fluctuating nature of the Australian and New Zealand dollars adds complexity. Player reaction has been mixed, with some expressing criticism while others see it as aligning prices with US equivalents. Blizzard emphasizes that this decision wasn't taken lightly, and the long-term impact remains to be seen.
