Localized prices depending on the country

Community Discussion
1

I live in Brazil, and the prices of all in-game items increased significantly in patch 25.4 in February 2023.

I understand that maintaining localized prices is challenging due to people changing their account country to purchase from regions with weaker currencies, thus buying cheaper.

This adjustment greatly affects countries with weak currencies compared to the dollar, making in-game purchases unaffordable for non-wealthy individuals. For example, the highest pre-sale expansion in Brazil used to cost R$160, while in the United States it was $80. We were already paying twice as much considering the currency, but now we pay R$360 after the adjustment, which is 4.5 times more “expensive” than $80. Technically, we in Brazil are still paying less than $80, as the pre-sale exchange rate is R$4.5 per dollar, while the actual rate is around ~R$5.50. However, it would be more relevant to consider purchasing power. For instance, in Brazil, the pre-sale is 25.5% of the minimum wage, whereas in the United States, assuming a minimum wage of $1500, they pay about 5.33% of their salary. It would be great if we could buy the pre-sale for these salary percentages (considering each country’s currency and purchasing power).

Of course, various factors impact the game’s profitability, and global adjustments might reduce company profits. However, prices don’t need to be exactly $80 dollars, R$80 reais, 80 pesos, or 80 yen. Consideration of other games like Fortnite, country salaries, or other data could make a significant difference in attracting more players.

My suggestion is to find a way to maintain localized prices in global currencies relative to each country’s purchasing power, ensuring a fair value that everyone can afford. Additionally, create a secure system to prevent players from buying in cheaper currencies, avoiding unfair advantages.

You could implement something similar to what most crypto exchanges do (KYC), verifying identity and unique personal information, allowing purchases only from one account, and requiring a local credit card for all transactions. This would ensure that no international card can be used in a specific country’s account, further verifying that the purchaser resides in that country.

Of course, many variables determine purchase security. However, this approach would help those who have stopped purchasing to start investing money in the game again. Even though returns from less developed countries may be lower, it is better to maintain active players than to do nothing, as it becomes pointless to play when there is no opportunity to invest money fairly in the game.

I believe implementing this would greatly help all players who want to continue playing and investing in the game.

2

Are you saying people are not allowed to open an account with a bank in brazil, turkey, or other places? People are not allowed to conduct currency exchanges?

3

Essa é a triste realidade nunca mais terá preço localizado, a Microsoft é a dona da Blizzard agora e vc conhece como ela trabalha!
Eu consigo ter todos os cards das classes que coleciono a longo prazo, usando o dinheiro do jogo e comprando alguns kits baratos. Pré-venda nunca mais!

4

Depending on the bank, people from other countries can also have accounts there, but it is easily verifiable if a person is a resident of a particular country. You could create an account in a bank of another country, but even then, your data would not indicate that you are a resident of that country unless you move there and obtain identification documents, becoming a resident. Several programs already use this form of localized pricing and only allow residents of the countries to purchase in their currency. Even using international cards that accept multiple currencies or cards that can convert the balance to various currencies within them are not accepted.