World of Warcraft Price Hikes Hit Australia and New Zealand
Starting February 7th, World of Warcraft players in Australia and New Zealand will face increased prices on all in-game purchases. This includes monthly subscriptions and other services like WoW Tokens. Blizzard cites global and regional market conditions as the reason for this adjustment.
While this isn't the first price increase for WoW, it's notable given the game's long-standing $14.99 USD monthly subscription in the US since 2004. This price stability in the US contrasts sharply with the upcoming changes in Australia and New Zealand.
The price increases will take effect on February 7th, providing players with only a month's notice. Current monthly subscription costs are $19.95 AUD and $23.99 NZD, rising to $23.95 AUD and $26.99 NZD respectively. Annual subscriptions will also see increases, capping at $249.00 AUD and $280.68 NZD. The WoW Token will increase to $32.00 AUD and $36.00 NZD.
New World of Warcraft Prices (Australia & New Zealand - 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 |
Currently, the USD to AUD conversion shows a small USD discount, potentially aligning the new prices with US rates. However, currency fluctuations remain a factor. The price changes have drawn mixed reactions from players, with some expressing criticism while others suggest the adjustments bring prices more in line with the US dollar. Blizzard assures players with existing recurring subscriptions (as of February 6th) will retain their current rates for up to six months. The company emphasizes that this decision wasn't taken lightly and acknowledges the impact on its player base. The long-term consequences of this price adjustment remain to be seen.
