World Of Warcraft Is Increasing Subscription Prices In Turkiye And Ukraine – MMOs.com
Blizzard Entertainment is once again in the crosshairs of the World of Warcraft community as the studio announces price increases for game services in Turkey and Ukraine. Set to take effect on July 5th, these changes not only impact subscription fees but also various account services, such as faction changes, name changes, character transfers, and cosmetic items.
The announcement has sparked outrage among the player communities, particularly in Ukraine. Ukrainian players have voiced their concerns over the increase from €7.50 to €10 per month, a significant jump considering that the country’s average monthly salary is around €300 and minimum wage is €170. These financial circumstances, coupled with the ongoing conflict with Russia, make the price hike an additional burden for Ukrainian players to bear.
Similarly, Turkey has been grappling with recovery efforts following a devastating earthquake in February. The timing of the price increase adds to the frustration felt by players in the country.
Critics have drawn attention to the financial success of Blizzard’s parent company, ABK, which reported earnings of $2.38 billion in the first quarter of this year, a 25% increase compared to the same period last year. Comparatively, Blizzard alone made $443 million during the same period. The stark contrast in financial performance raises questions about the necessity and fairness of imposing higher costs on players in these regions. How Blizzard will respond to the backlash remains to be seen.