Support NeoGAF

[Madonis]

That's your POV though, companies exist with the sole purpose of making money, they act accordingly... and that's not just my POV.


That's not the case most of the time either way, inflation fluctuates a lot and companies trying to guess will always fail since today it may be one thing and next week it probably won't. They probably don't know how to set a proper price.

Maybe they don't have an "auto" option that lets the price scale depending on current dollar price, which would be ideal. It would remove the benefit of regional pricing but would allow them to just set up a price and be done, which is what companies do in USA.


Of course setting prices properly is important for a company no matter the size. Business as usual, I don't get why is it so hard to get for some people.

Of course, but please try to tell me how something isn't messed up when inflation is somewhere between 5% and 10% in many of these countries, but game publishers are still increasing prices by higher percentages. Stuff like 25%, 30%, 40%, 50%, etc. Some of the bumps are small, granted, but others are ridiculous when you track them on SteamDB.

Ultimately, the end result is that less people will be willing to purchase those games in various regions around the world. At least not before a huge sale. Impulse purchases are a big reason why Steam became so successful yet these increases tend to nullify or outright revert that effect. Sure, you'll get more money out of those who will still dig deep into their wallets, but that number isn't stable and can't be relied upon for every release.

 

[Heisenberg007]

Once all these go on game pass, it wont matter

~30% of Xbox gamers have Game Pass. So nearly 70% of Xbox gamers will still be affected. The overwhelming majority, in other words.

And also those who want to buy their games, not rent them.

 

[adamsapple]

The acquisition closed 5 days ago. It is fast, hence the big news.

Microsoft obviously knew the exact day that they would be able to close the acquisition -- Tom even reported on the date, and Microsoft had the ABK trailer ready to be launched. It is very much possible that Microsoft had already been working on increasing ABK game prices in these regions and was able to do so in the next 5 days.

As I said earlier, Microsoft now owns ABK. There is no one else making the decisions now. Even if ABK made the decision on their own, they cannot announce it now without Microsoft's approval.

No one 'announced' anything, it's not news, big or fast lol. It's regional backend price changes, not an official blog post.

It's only 'big news' because it allows multiple bad-faith actors to try and directly correlate it with the recently completed acquisition as some kind of a gotcha. And they've probably had that trailer ready since January 2022 lol, the idea that someone at MS wanted to increase prices in Brazil as the first task after the acquisition completion is just silly.

I think you know that already.

 

[PixelatedBeast]

Damn, its not everyday you see a company become the Villan before they had a chance to become the Hero. Brazil approved of the acquisition so this IS what they choose. Less competition = higher prices.

 

[Heisenberg007]

No one 'announced' anything, it's not news, big or fast lol. It's regional backend price changes, not an official blog post.

It's only 'big news' because it allows multiple bad-faith actors to try and directly correlate it with the recently completed acquisition as some kind of a gotcha. And they've probably had that trailer ready since January 2022 lol, the idea that someone at MS wanted to increase prices in Brazil as the first task after the acquisition completion is just silly.

I think you know that already.

Are you saying that Microsoft isn't on board with this decision?

Because there could be only three cases literally in that case:

1. ABK made the change on its own. Microsoft disagrees but can't do anything about it.
2. ABK made the change on its own. Microsoft doesn't even know about this change in price.
3. Microsoft made this change and is fully on board with it.

What do you think is the likeliest of the three scenarios here?

 

[adamsapple]

Are you saying that Microsoft isn't on board with this decision?

Because there could be only three cases literally in that case:

1. ABK made the change on its own. Microsoft disagrees but can't do anything about it.
2. ABK made the change on its own. Microsoft doesn't even know about this change in price.
3. Microsoft made this change and is fully on board with it.

What do you think is the likeliest of the three scenarios here?

"Microsoft intends to operate Activision similar to other recent acquisitions, such as Minecraft developer Mojang. In other words, Activision's creative operations will remain separate and continue to run as they did pre-merger."

Read more: https://www.tweaktown.com/news/9194...n-post-merger-basis-microsoft-says/index.html

Is MS separately immune from increasing prices on their games? Obviously not, but attributing this price increase just day(s) after the acquisition closed 100% to them as some kind of a nefarious ploy is just silly.

 

[Heisenberg007]

Read more: https://www.tweaktown.com/news/9194...n-post-merger-basis-microsoft-says/index.html

Is MS separately immune from increasing prices on their games? Obviously not, but attributing this price increase just day(s) after the acquisition closed 100% to them as some kind of a nefarious ploy is just silly.

That doesn't answer my question.

• Scenario #1 - Microsoft has no control over ABK whatsoever.
• Scenario #2 - Microsoft has no idea what ABK is doing or the change in prices.
• Scenario #3 - Microsoft is on board with this price increase.

 

[Kataploom]

They exist to make money, true. But I don't exist to kneel at their feet and justify their bad actions either.

Then don't. IDK what else I'm supposed to say lol.

 

[adamsapple]

That doesn't answer my question.

• Scenario #1 - Microsoft has no control over ABK whatsoever.
• Scenario #2 - Microsoft has no idea what ABK is doing or the change in prices.
• Scenario #3 - Microsoft is on board with this price increase.

Scenario #4 - Regional inflation and price increases based on Steam recommendation that many (big) publishers are following.

 

[NEbeast]

It's only going to get worse. People cheered on a 70 billion acquisition. Now you fuckers are going to have to pay for it.

 

[Kataploom]

Of course, but please try to tell me how something isn't messed up when inflation is somewhere between 5% and 10% in many of these countries, but game publishers are still increasing prices by higher percentages. Stuff like 25%, 30%, 40%, 50%, etc. Some of the bumps are small, granted, but others are ridiculous when you track them on SteamDB.

Ultimately, the end result is that less people will be willing to purchase those games in various regions around the world. At least not before a huge sale. Impulse purchases are a big reason why Steam became so successful yet these increases tend to nullify or outright revert that effect. Sure, you'll get more money out of those who will still dig deep into their wallets, but that number isn't stable and can't be relied upon for every release.

Easy: Publishers are just following Valve or some advisor advices regarding prices or are probably estimating an increase in inflation and don't want to update prices every week for the 10s of games they probable have published. Either way, it's not "MS pulling a monopoly" as some suggest, they wish they had a monopoly but that's not the case. Some people really got hit by the purchase, they feel it emotionally personal to the point everything will serve as an "I told ya!!" argument lol

 

[StereoVsn]

Read more: https://www.tweaktown.com/news/9194...n-post-merger-basis-microsoft-says/index.html

Is MS separately immune from increasing prices on their games? Obviously not, but attributing this price increase just day(s) after the acquisition closed 100% to them as some kind of a nefarious ploy is just silly.

 

[adamsapple]

 

[poppabk]

Are you saying that Microsoft isn't on board with this decision?

Because there could be only three cases literally in that case:

1. ABK made the change on its own. Microsoft disagrees but can't do anything about it.
2. ABK made the change on its own. Microsoft doesn't even know about this change in price.
3. Microsoft made this change and is fully on board with it.

What do you think is the likeliest of the three scenarios here?

Number 2. If you think otherwise you are nuts.

 

[StereoVsn]

 

[jonnyp]

Brazilians buy games?

Does Neymar work as a George Michael impersonator on the side now?

 

[Heisenberg007]

Number 2. If you think otherwise you are nuts.

Somebody tag Microsoft then They will be reversing the price increase any second now.

 

[Heisenberg007]

Scenario #4 - Regional inflation and price increases based on Steam recommendation that many (big) publishers are following.

Recommendation =/= Decision.

Let's assume for a second it's true that Steam recommended it. Who made the decision to act on that recommendation? Obviously, not Steam.

Microsoft owns ABK so it's obvious that Microsoft made the decision or, at the very least, signed off on it.

 

[Venom Snake]

 

[StereoVsn]

Bobby is the only one who doesn’t want to be there. “Phil, what the hell did you drag me into?”

While Satya is going all in!

 

[poppabk]

Somebody tag Microsoft then They will be reversing the price increase any second now.

I don't think anyone in management at either Activision or MS give two shits what the price of Prototype 2 is in Turkey right now.

 

[Three]

Highest ive found was Black Ops 2 (2012) Digital Deluxe, it went up by +1709% in Turkey. (not a typo) Some of these games will soon start pushing month of rent territory in a small town, wonder who will pay that much.

StreetsofBeige there is your "greatest price increase ever?"

I don't think anyone in management at either Activision or MS give two shits what the price of Prototype 2 is in Turkey right now.

So why would they increase it if they didn't give two shits about it? That doesn't make any sense.

 

[Gamer_By_Proxy]

Yay consolidation!!!

 

[VideoGameEnjoyer]

But.. but.. it was a great day for gamers everywhere...

 

[Varteras]

That doesn’t even remotely answer the question.

It... was a joke?

 

[Negotiator101]

This is that evil Phil Spencer he's to blame am I doing it right?

 

[SenkiDala]

Good, sick of the UK being one of the few to be ripped of...

Those mother fuckers.

And people will say that doesn't apply to first world countries but UK is a first world country.

I don't even understand how can anyone defend this, the level of fanboysim needed to tolerate that is above my understanding.

 

[poppabk]

StreetsofBeige there is your "greatest price increase ever?"


So why would they increase it if they didn't give two shits about it? That doesn't make any sense.

Activision has 15000 odd employees a bunch of shit is happening on autopilot. It's cute that people suddenly think MS have their shit together and have such excellent management to the point that they are already optimizing in the weeds on regional pricing a couple of days after completing such a massive deal. Guess we can lay those MS management sucks jabs to bed right?

 

[GustavoLT]

I'm gonna sell my monkey collection to buy some cod games now!

 

[Heisenberg007]

I don't think anyone in management at either Activision or MS give two shits what the price of Prototype 2 is in Turkey right now.

So why increase the prices then?

 

[Three]

Activision has 15000 odd employees a bunch of shit is happening on autopilot. It's cute that people suddenly think MS have their shit together and have such excellent management to the point that they are already optimizing in the weeds on regional pricing a couple of days after completing such a massive deal. Guess we can lay those MS management sucks jabs to bed right?

Things are just happening by themselves and you think raising prices is equivalent to good management? Ok, this is getting weird.

 

[X-Wing]

The same people who say 'don't blame Microsoft because they have just taken over' are the same people that would be chocking in Microsoft's dick if one of recent bought studios would release a 90+ metascore game regardless of the fact Microsoft had contributed with nothing for that.
So...

 

[RoboFu]

There is no evidence that this is because of the MS purchase.

But Even more evidence of pure fanboy fantasy allowed to run rampant.

 

[supernova8]

Nothing to do with Valve, those were just recommendations. Developers and publishers set their own prices and it suits Microsoft to hike the prices of games it has control over to push people toward Game Pass, just like pretty much everyone with a brain thought they would.

 

[Jigsaah]

This feels like experimentation. Microsoft will discover the error of their ways. Hopefully sooner rather than later.

I imagine they finished the deal...had a coke laden afterparty to celebrate. Phil Spencer looks up from the table...eyes glazed, nose freshly powdered and was all like "Bitch I'm Phil Spencer....and you know what....fuck Brazil' then proceeds lay back while Bobby Kotick takes body shots off his tummy.

Bobby reassures him this is how business gets done.

 

[Bernardougf]

Buy gamepass, fuck you and have a nice day.

Sincerely MS

 

[Mownoc]

There is no evidence that this is because of the MS purchase.

I'd say the very next day the same thing happening to Halo MCC suggests very strongly that it is related to MS. Big coincidence otherwise don't you think?

 

[Bernardougf]

It’s funny because Brazilians were all like “we want this”

There is too much pseudo-socialists here (specially genz/millenniuns) that love getting fucked in the ass blindly for """"free"""" shit ....easiest market in the world to sell your cheap game streaming trojan horse program

 

[Aguero9320]

Your agenda is showing, my dear thread

 

[T4keD0wN]

Scenario #4 - Regional inflation and price increases based on Steam recommendation that many (big) publishers are following.

You can see Valve suggested prices for each game on steamdb (you have to pick a specific package first), the new prices differ from Valve recommendation, often by multiple hundreds of %
So they followed their recommendations by raising them, but they went way too far with it.

Number 2. If you think otherwise you are nuts.

On one hand the timing is suspicious and Halo games have also increased in price at the very same moment as ABK ones, on the other the rest of MS games didnt and they stay at a more resonable price points. Dont know which way to lean if its number 2. Guess i am more on the nuts side.

 

[Three]

Nothing to do with Valve, those were just recommendations. Developers and publishers set their own prices and it suits Microsoft to hike the prices of games it has control over to push people toward Game Pass, just like pretty much everyone with a brain thought they would.

Exactly, look at the absolutely ridiculous pricing on Redfall right now. Who would genuinely pay £70 for that game right now? Yet that's the price on the xbox store currently. Do they care that it's not selling? Probably not. They just want that sticker price for the perceived value if somebody was interested in trying it to go to their sub.

Any other game that released like Redfall would be selling at a considerable discount 4 months later just to try and gain some sales and revenue back. It would be near bargain bin. Xbox stans are still trying to suggest that buying is still a great choice and subs are not disruptive though. When soon enough they have no discs and nothing but a digital store with set prices they would see it's a choice as much as making a decision with a gun to your head is a choice.

 

[Mattyp]

Back in June I paid $679,60 Argentine Pesos for Call of Duty: Black Ops III - Zombies Chronicles Deluxe (base game + season pass + standalone zombies expansion).

Now that game is listed for $40.000,00 Pesos. And that's without an additional 80% in taxes that we are charged in every purchase made on digital storefronts.

Completely out of touch with the financial reality of our country. What's even the point of regional prices then?

We see a lot of shit monthly wage amounts thrown around online on google, what's your real monthly wage now in US dollars so we can see how great a void this now is if you don't mind.

 

[ChoosableOne]

There is no evidence that this is because of the MS purchase.

But Even more evidence of pure fanboy fantasy allowed to run rampant.

I don't know what more evidence you need. Steam had suggested updating prices a few months ago, and Activision was already not applying regional pricing to their new games. This happened just a few days after the Microsoft deal. It's debatable who's a fanboy.

 

[SmokedMeat]

I always thought implementing some system where you need a credit/debit card that's issued in the country of origin was a good system to stop people from other countries abusing regional pricing. But I guess either Steam doesn't have that requirement or there's some way to circumvent it (virtual credit cards and stuff like that I guess?)

Steam requires a local payment method from your country.

 

[rabbity-thing]

Such an interesting back and forth about who's to blame. Is it MS? Is it Activision? I mean, ultimately who cares? MS is in control now, so the only metric that matters is whether or not MS will correct (if correcting is what it needs) this price increase or maintain it. MS's involvement in the actual raising of the prices is largely irrelevant when weighed against what they plan to do about it going forward.

 

[Edmund]

adamsapple fighting with everyone here.

 

[adamsapple]

adamsapple fighting with everyone here.

 

[RoboFu]

I don't know what more evidence you need. Steam had suggested updating prices a few months ago, and Activision was already not applying regional pricing to their new games. This happened just a few days after the Microsoft deal. It's debatable who's a fanboy.

speculation is not confirmation. Anyone thats ever been a part of a merger knows there is literally no way this could happen in such a short amount of time.

The more likely senario is it was already going to happen.

back in august steam told publishers that they were going to adjust the minimum price threshold that will affect a lot of countries whose echange rate is well below the USD. that they had little time to change their prices for those regions.

this is more than likely a result of that.

Steam :: Steamworks Development :: Updates to Steam's Minimum Price Thresholds

You may be impacted if you have a game or DLC priced at or below $5 USD

steamcommunity.com

 

[Fbh]

Steam requires a local payment method from your country.

That's good but looking a bit around online it seems like it's not doing much to stop people from other countries abusing the regional pricing.
Just a quick google search found me plenty of places to buy pre paid Argentinian steam cards, also sites where you buy funds, then they'll befriend you on steam and send them over to you.

Maybe they could look into blocking that stuff in places with cheap regional pricing. I imagine the average Argentinian player would rather have them take away the option to buy gift cards and send over funds instead of making all games 3X as expensive as they used to be.

 

[poppabk]

speculation is not confirmation. Anyone thats ever been a part of a merger knows there is literally no way this could happen in such a short amount of time.

The more likely senario is it was already going to happen.

back in august steam told publishers that they were going to adjust the minimum price threshold that will affect a lot of countries whose echange rate is well below the USD. that they had little time to change their prices for those regions.

this is more than likely a result of that.

Steam :: Steamworks Development :: Updates to Steam's Minimum Price Thresholds

You may be impacted if you have a game or DLC priced at or below $5 USD

steamcommunity.com

Yeah my company took six months to get everyone on the same HR portal software.