Microsoft has decided to change the price for Xbox Live Gold subscriptions in six countries, and one country will get its price tripled. The changes will be implemented on June 20.
Microsoft has confirmed that at least six regions and markets will get their prices for Xbox Live Gold changed due to currency inflation, making the subscriptions even more expensive than the $9.99 a month that the US costumers pays. It is not yet clear whether or not they are lowering any prices, but from the looks of it Microsoft will only be raising them.
The regions and markets affected are Sweden, Hungary, Israel, Turkey, Austria, and South Africa. South Africa will be affected the most with its prices being tripled. Microsoft explained why they are doing this in an email to Gameinformer:
"We occasionally update pricing in a given market to provide a balance of service and value, and in some instances, meet currency fluctuations within the region, and will be adjusting the price of Xbox Live Gold subscription in a small number of markets on June 20, 2016. We do so always keeping in mind that our goal is to offer our members the premium gaming and entertainment service at a fair price."
According to Gameinformer the Xbox Live Gold price in South Africa is now R50 a month, $3.25. The updated price form South Africa will be R159 a month, $10.33. This will bring up the yearly pricing to R979, about $63, compared to the $59.99 in the US.
The other regions will probably not see that big of a price change like the one on South Africa, though it will be noticeable for some. The prices will probably be changed to better reflect the $9.99 US price, but the change in South African makes it hard to predict how much the prices will change, especially in regions where the prices already are fairly close to the US market, such as Israel and Sweden.
- Hungary: 2,000 Ft ($7.19 per month)
- Israel: 37.99 ILS (10.05 per month)
- Sweden: 79 kr ($9.58 per month)
- Turkey: 18.99 TL ($6.40 per month)
- Austria (Euro Zone): €6.99 ($7.91 per month)
Even though the prices for Xbox Live Gold will be changing for six regions it doesn't necessarily mean that users will have to pay more since Xbox Live Gold codes aren't region locked and can be bought and used anywhere.
"This is based on market rather than currency, and the new price in Austria aligns with other European markets. We occasionally update pricing to provide a balance of service and value. Xbox Live Gold codes are not region-locked. Customers may redeem any Xbox Live code regardless of where it was purchased."
These changes will only affect users who have their Xbox Live Gold subscription on auto renew, the option to buy codes individually online for a cheaper price will still be a valid option. But if buying codes online doesn't float your goat then it might be a smart move to buy a years worth or Xbox Live Gold before the price change, especially in South Africa.
