Pricing Changes Coming to Argentina: WoW Future Pricing in USD

Blizzard has recently made an announcement that will have a significant impact on players in Argentina. Soon, they will no longer be able to purchase Blizzard products using their local currency, the Pesos Argentinos. Instead, they will be required to use the US Dollar for their purchases. This change is expected to take effect within the next 30 days after the announcement, specifically before February 23rd, 2024.

Inflation has been a major concern in Argentina, and it comes as no surprise that Blizzard has decided to make this change. The economic situation in the country is highly volatile and uncertain. To put things into perspective, in March 2021, 1 US Dollar was equivalent to a little over 91 Pesos. Presently, the official exchange rate is approximately 840 Pesos for 1 US Dollar. However, due to the 60% tax on foreign currency exchange when purchasing online goods with credit cards, the exchange rate for most citizens is around 1350 Pesos for 1 US Dollar.

Although we couldn't find the most recent pricing data for World of Warcraft (WoW), we do have pricing information from March 2021. The subscription prices back then were as follows:

Based on these prices, let's analyze the differences:

Pricing Analysis

• Looking at the Updated Pricing in Pesos Argentinos (ARS)

Using the 6-month subscription as an example, the price has increased by a staggering 1735% over this 3-year period. Even when considering the exchange rate, there is still a 25% increase in the subscription value using the taxed 1350 Pesos to USD as the baseline.

In March 2021, Blizzard would have earned around $37 USD for a 6-month subscription in Argentina. With the upcoming change, they will now earn around $46 USD. However, as a company, Blizzard might be able to get an exchange rate closer to the official value, which could net them closer to $70 USD. This represents an increase of almost 100%, accounting for exchange inflation.

• Pricing in United States Dollars (USD)

With the change in pricing to USD, Blizzard's profits in Argentina will no longer be subject to currency exchange fluctuations. This burden will now fall solely on the players. Due to the aforementioned 60% tax on currency exchange for credit cards, players paying with credit cards will instantly have to pay 60% more for their subscription. This means they will be paying the equivalent of $124 USD in Pesos for a 6-month subscription. It's worth mentioning that not many players have credit cards with a balance in USD.

Considering this, players may witness a staggering 236% increase in the price of a 6-month subscription over a period of three years, accounting for inflation and currency exchange.

Original Announcement

World of Warcraft® is played in many regions around the world, and as such, we regularly review the prices of our games and services across all currencies. Occasionally, we find it necessary to make changes to some prices based on various factors, such as global and regional market conditions.

Starting from 23/01/24, there will be an increase in the current prices in Pesos Argentinos. You can find the new prices for recurring plans and game time below. If you wish to cancel your subscription (starting from the end of your current active period), you can do so here:

Game Time

Additionally, the Pesos Argentinos will be converted to United States Dollars in Battle.net. The prices for recurring plans and game time in Argentina will be adjusted as follows:

Game Time

After the currency conversion takes place, your current subscription will not be automatically renewed at the end of the active period, unless you resubscribe at the new prices mentioned above. This also includes subscriptions that are currently on hold. Emails may be sent notifying you that your account has been frozen, but this will not affect your account. It only affects the selected payment method for your recurring plan. You can continue playing uninterrupted during any prepaid time you have selected previously. To continue your subscription after your current active period, you will need to resubscribe at the USD prices using an accepted payment method.

Your currency for transactions will be changed from Pesos Argentinos to United States Dollars in no less than 30 days from the date of this notification. To take advantage of the current prices, you can purchase before the new prices come into effect.

We understand that there are many entertainment options available, and we take adjustments to prices like this very seriously. We appreciate our players' choice to spend their time with World of Warcraft, and we remain committed to ensuring that the game continues to offer high entertainment value to Argentinian players.

You can review your subscription options and payment methods for World of Warcraft at any time through the Account Management on Battle.net or in the Battle.net store.

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