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 various services, including subscriptions and in-game purchases.
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 adjustment for WoW; Blizzard has historically made country-specific changes to reflect economic shifts. However, the US monthly subscription price has remained constant at $14.99 since 2004.
The price increases for Australia and New Zealand will be 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 current exchange rates might temporarily align the new AUD/NZD prices with the US dollar equivalent, the fluctuating currency values remain a factor. The announcement has sparked mixed reactions from the WoW community, with some players expressing criticism while others view it as a necessary adjustment to market conditions. 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.
