Steam users worldwide have been hit with a potential blow to their gaming budgets as Valve, the digital distribution platform's parent company, announced new changes to pricing that could lead to increased costs and even the removal of certain games from the market.
New pricing changes could limit bargains
One of the key changes is that all games priced at $5 (£4) or less will be affected, potentially resulting in fewer bargains available on the Steam storefront. Previously, Steam adjusted prices based on the local economy of the country where the games were being sold. This allowed for lower prices in regions where the cost of living was lower. However, due to the global economic crisis and fluctuations in currency values, adjustments were made last October to different price points around the world.
Minimum prices and discounted games
Under the new rules, games and expansions must have a minimum price equivalent to 99c (80p), while discounted games and downloadable content (DLC) must be priced at no less than 49c (40p). These changes are aimed at ensuring availability of games in all regions, but they also mean that Steam's famous deep discounts may no longer apply to the same extent.
Impact on different currencies
Countries with a stronger currency will likely see the minimum price threshold for games rise, potentially leading to higher overall costs for gamers. While these changes won't be immediately noticeable on the storefront pages, they could have an impact on the overall spending on gaming purchases.
Conclusion
Although the price changes may not be immediately apparent on the Steam platform, users are advised to be mindful of potentially higher costs and reduced discounts in the future. As Steam adjusts to the global economic landscape, gamers may need to reconsider their spending habits and budget accordingly to ensure the best value for their gaming purchases.
Written by Georgina Young on behalf of GLHF.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://hellofaread.com/technology/playstation-fans-rejoice-classic-games-return-to-playstation-store/
