Game pricing is always a touchy issue, especially in SA where many feel that local distributors and retailers overcharge significantly for games, especially for console games. Possibly due to high piracy levels in SA, gamers of the desktop variety have enjoyed competitive pricing for PC games in comparison to the markups that local console gamers face.
As it stands AAA titles typically launch at $60 (R480) in the USA, while in South Africa the accepted standard is R700. This means that console gamers are looking at an extra R220 for the inconvenience of living in an isolated third-world nation on the tip of Africa.
The picture is markedly different when looking at PC gaming.
AAA PC titles typically launch at around $50 (R400) in the USA, which is exactly what South African gamers can expect to pay locally.
The purpose of this article is not to level criticism at local distributers. There are obvious costs involved in importing and distributing games locally, and the fact that PC games have remained so well priced relative to international markets is something that PC gamers should all be grateful for.
So when international retailers began listing the PC version of Modern Warfare 2 at the same price point as the console versions – $59 (R480) – PC gamers the world over began voicing their complaints.
Local gamers latched on to the apparent price increase, and PC gamers’ worst fears looked like they were going to be realized with Modern Warfare 2 PC selling in SA for the same as the console version.
Megarom has allayed fears however, by issuing a statement confirming that Modern Warfare will launch in SA on PC for R400, making it R80 cheaper than what gamers in the USA will pay.
Full Modern Warfare 2 pricing details
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 – PC – R399.00
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 – PS3 – R699.00
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 – Xbox 360 – R699.00
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Mobilisation – NDS – R399.00
Modern Warfare 2 is expected to launch locally on November 10, and will be available at retail shortly thereafter.
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