World of Warcraft Price Hikes for Australian and New Zealand Players
Effective February 7th, Blizzard Entertainment will implement price increases for all World of Warcraft in-game transactions in Australia and New Zealand. This adjustment, attributed to global and regional market fluctuations, affects recurring subscriptions, WoW Tokens, and other services.
Players with active recurring subscriptions as of February 6th will retain their current rates for a grace period of up to six months. This isn't the first price alteration for WoW; Blizzard has historically adjusted prices in various regions to reflect economic changes. Notably, the US monthly subscription price has remained at $14.99 since 2004.
The price increases for Australia and New Zealand are as follows:
New World of Warcraft Service Prices (AUD & NZD, 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 the current USD to AUD exchange rate might suggest a minor USD discount, the fluctuating exchange rates are a key factor in Blizzard's decision. The announcement has sparked mixed reactions from players, with some viewing it as a necessary adjustment aligning prices with the US, while others express criticism. Blizzard emphasizes that the decision wasn't taken lightly and acknowledges player feedback. The long-term impact of these price changes remains to be seen.
