Online store prices across regions/exchange rates

[novamare]

So, I've bought a lot of stuff off Mogstation in my time (even some duplicates for alts), but it recently occurred to me that prices in USD are significantly higher (about 20%) than in any other currency. The other currencies are pretty evenly matched. But, of course, there is no option to pay in currencies outside whatever you initially set your account as.

While I'm not particularly upset by this--the content is optional and mostly cosmetic--I am curious about when the last time SE set the exchange rates on the store. These prices definitely were closer and made more sense in 2014, but have they ever been updated to reflect current exchange rates?

And should they revisit the pricing structure across regions? Especially as they've been adding more high-cost sets like the fat cat attire or street attire, which run $22 USD but only £15.00 GBP and ¥2,420 JPY (both about $18 USD currently). Still, I'll buy stuff regardless (blah blah, glam is endgame), which is, I'm sure, part of the reason why the prices haven't changed lol.

What's slightly more bleak is that the same exchange rates are in effect for subscription prices, which are not optional to play the game once you've gone beyond the free trial.

[Bearded]

I think that the US prices do not include any tax whereas any prices quotes for European (including the UK) include tax by default because that's what the consumer laws say.

[novamare]

I think that the US prices do not include any tax whereas any prices quotes for European (including the UK) include tax by default because that's what the consumer laws say.

Which would only make the disparity worse

But also I don't think USD prices add additional taxes--at least it hasn't according to some of my previous receipts.

[Seraphor]

I'm not certain as I don't regularly buy stuff from the online store. But I feel like the GBP prices have increased... at some point. Things seem more expensive than they did when I first started, but I could be wrong, it could just be that newer things have been priced higher.

[Jojoya]

SE probably adjusts as currency values versus the yen change noticeably over a year's time. They're not going to adjust due to daily/weekly/monthly fluctuations since those go up and down frequently.

They probably also pay some attention to the prices charged for comparable games in each region.

I'm not certain as I don't regularly buy stuff from the online store. But I feel like the GBP prices have increased... at some point. Things seem more expensive than they did when I first started, but I could be wrong, it could just be that newer things have been priced higher.

I want to say that the prices were adjusted around the time of Brexit? Can't remember exactly when but I remember the usual forum grumbling when it happened.

[Caddo]

I think that the US prices do not include any tax whereas any prices quotes for European (including the UK) include tax by default because that's what the consumer laws say.

It includes tax, at least for me, when I use my Steam Wallet.

[Seraphor]

SE probably adjusts as currency values versus the yen change noticeably over a year's time. They're not going to adjust due to daily/weekly/monthly fluctuations since those go up and down frequently.

They probably also pay some attention to the prices charged for comparable games in each region.


I want to say that the prices were adjusted around the time of Brexit? Can't remember exactly when but I remember the usual forum grumbling when it happened.

Wouldn't surprise me... Brexit just keeps on winning!