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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 recurring subscriptions, WoW Tokens, and other services.
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 modified prices in various regions to reflect economic shifts. However, the US monthly subscription price has remained unchanged at $14.99 since 2004.
The price increases for Australia and New Zealand are 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 | $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 USD to AUD conversion rates might suggest parity with US prices, the fluctuating exchange rates remain a factor. Player response has been mixed, with some criticizing the decision while others view it as a necessary alignment with US pricing. Blizzard emphasizes that the 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.
