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 adjustment reflects current global and regional market conditions.
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 price changes in response to economic fluctuations. The US, however, has seen a consistent $14.99 monthly subscription price since 2004.
The price increases for Australia and New Zealand are as follows: monthly subscriptions will rise to AUD 23.95 and NZD 26.99, respectively, while annual subscriptions will cap at AUD 249.00 and NZD 280.68. The WoW Token will cost AUD 32.00 and NZD 36.00. Other in-game purchases will also see price increases (see table below).
New World of Warcraft 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 | $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 suggests a near parity with US subscription costs, the fluctuating exchange rates have led to some player criticism. Blizzard maintains that the decision was not taken lightly and that they considered player feedback. The long-term impact of this price adjustment remains to be seen.
