World of Warcraft to Hike Prices in Australia and New Zealand

Starting 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 its pricing. Blizzard has historically adjusted prices in various countries to reflect economic changes. However, the US monthly subscription price has remained at $14.99 since 2004.

The price increases for Australia and New Zealand will be as follows:

New World of Warcraft Prices (AUD & NZD, effective February 7th)

While the current USD to AUD exchange rate might suggest a slight discount compared to US prices, the fluctuating exchange rates are a key factor in Blizzard's decision. The price changes have prompted mixed reactions from players, with some criticizing the move while others see it as aligning prices more closely with US dollar equivalents. Blizzard maintains that the decision was not made lightly and that player feedback is considered. The long-term impact of these price adjustments remains to be seen.