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 currently subscribed as of February 6th will retain their existing rates for a grace period of up to six months. This isn't the first price revision for WoW; Blizzard has historically adjusted pricing in various regions to reflect economic shifts. The US, however, has maintained a consistent $14.99 monthly subscription fee since 2004.
The price increases for Australia and New Zealand are detailed below:
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 subscription cost, the fluctuating currency values remain a factor. Player reactions have been mixed, with some criticizing the move and others viewing it as a short-term alignment with US pricing. Blizzard emphasizes that the decision wasn't taken lightly and acknowledges the potential long-term impact.
