Steam’s New Pricing Policy Hits Argentina and Turkey
Steam has implemented a significant change in its pricing policy for Latin America and the MENA region, which took effect yesterday. This shift has led to a substantial increase in game prices for users in Argentina and Turkey, with games now being priced in US dollars instead of the local currencies, the Turkish lira and Argentine peso. The move aims to simplify the pricing process for game developers amidst the extreme volatility of these local currencies.
Valve’s Shift to USD Pricing in Argentina and Turkey
On November 20, Valve made a decisive move to alter Steam’s regional pricing strategy for Argentina and Turkey. The company transitioned from using the Turkish lira and Argentine peso to pricing games in US dollars. This change was introduced to alleviate the burden on game developers who had to frequently adjust their prices due to the currencies’ instability.
| Game | Price Change |
|---|---|
| Far Cry 5 | Old: 210 ARS (Argentine peso) | New: $48 USD |
User Backlash to Steam’s Pricing Overhaul
The new pricing policy on Steam has sparked a wave of discontent among users in Argentina and Turkey. Many have taken to online platforms to express their frustration, with some predicting a grim future for the platform in these regions. Here’s a list of common reactions:
- Proclamations that this is the “end of Steam” for users in these countries.
- Threats to revert to piracy due to unaffordable game prices.
- Sharing of spreadsheets showing the drastic price increases.
Staggering Game Price Increases on Steam
Following Valve’s pricing policy update, several games have seen significant price hikes on Steam. Notably, Far Cry 5 experienced a 240% increase, while Stardew Valley saw an astronomical 2900% rise in Argentina. These adjustments have made games substantially more expensive for consumers in the affected regions.
Economic Context in Argentina and Turkey
The recent changes in Steam’s pricing policy have to be viewed in the context of the local economies of Argentina and Turkey. The minimum wage in Turkey is approximately 11,000 lira, which is around $400, while in Argentina, it’s about 146,000 pesos, or $415. These figures highlight the affordability challenges that consumers in these countries face, especially when game prices are now set in US dollars.
Price Fluctuations for Major Game Titles
Amidst the sweeping price increases, there have been some exceptions. For instance, the highly anticipated Diablo 4 saw a price reduction from a converted peso price of $79.13 to $70, marking an 11% decrease. This anomaly suggests that some games may not adhere to the general trend of price hikes following the shift to USD pricing on Steam.
Challenges for Developers and the Future of PC Gaming
The volatility of the Argentine peso and Turkish lira, coupled with the historically low prices of games in these markets, has presented a complex challenge for developers. The new pricing model on Steam aims to mitigate the risk of exploitation through region-hopping, where users change their store location to take advantage of lower prices. However, this change also raises concerns about the accessibility of games for legitimate consumers in Argentina and Turkey, potentially impacting the future of PC gaming in these regions.
Conclusion
The recent overhaul of Steam’s pricing policy in Argentina and Turkey has led to a significant upheaval among the gaming community in these countries. With prices now pegged to the US dollar, the affordability of games has become a pressing issue for many. As the situation unfolds, the gaming industry will be closely monitoring the impact of these changes on the market and consumer behavior.
