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geekhack Community => Off Topic => Topic started by: rowdy on Mon, 11 May 2015, 04:53:54

Title: Australia: Your digital games will get more expensive
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 11 May 2015, 04:53:54
http://www.playerattack.com.au/news/2015/05/11/australia-your-digital-games-will-get-more-expensive/

We already pay a premium, now it's going to get even more expensive.

Less incentive for me to upgrade my PC to play games I will no longer be able to afford.  What does that do to the economy?
Title: Re: Australia: Your digital games will get more expensive
Post by: Axollott on Mon, 11 May 2015, 05:38:28
Do politicians really think they are smart and doing a good job by endorsing new taxes ? Imagine a CEO of a company proposing making their products more expensive instead of making them more attractive and appealing to consume. Ah, politics.
Title: Re: Australia: Your digital games will get more expensive
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 11 May 2015, 05:41:26
They are apparently frantically trying to make up the shortfall caused by the devaluation of iron ore - one of the few things we export.

This is how.
Title: Re: Australia: Your digital games will get more expensive
Post by: fanpeople on Mon, 11 May 2015, 05:44:22
Looks like its time to start claiming non-existent things during tax time to offset the loss. I wonder if I can claim keyboards?
Title: Re: Australia: Your digital games will get more expensive
Post by: jamster on Mon, 11 May 2015, 07:18:33
I've been away from the country forever- how does buying software work in Oz? Do you get 'special' (i.e. jacked-up) pricing even when buying licenses online for things like Office/Adobe/etc?
Title: Re: Australia: Your digital games will get more expensive
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 11 May 2015, 16:48:49
Quote from: jamster on Mon, 11 May 2015, 07:18:33
I've been away from the country forever- how does buying software work in Oz? Do you get 'special' (i.e. jacked-up) pricing even when buying licenses online for things like Office/Adobe/etc?

I don't tend to buy Office etc., preferring open source cross-platform alternatives.

But games are generally more expensive, even taking currency conversion into account.

I haven't looked for a while 'cause my PCs are too old to play modern games, but it used to be $60 to $80 for a full new game.
Title: Re: Australia: Your digital games will get more expensive
Post by: baldgye on Tue, 12 May 2015, 04:09:33
yet people still emigrate to Aus in there thousands from the uk...
Title: Re: Australia: Your digital games will get more expensive
Post by: fanpeople on Tue, 12 May 2015, 04:21:48
Quote from: baldgye on Tue, 12 May 2015, 04:09:33
yet people still emigrate to Aus in there thousands from the uk...

You know some Brits that do their 22 years in Her Majesties defence force retire with their pension close to their yearly wage, laterally transfer to the Australian defence force and maintain a level of rank and then can do another 15-20 years with two pay checks.

Title: Re: Australia: Your digital games will get more expensive
Post by: wlhlm on Tue, 12 May 2015, 04:27:18
That's interesting.

For me I'd say PC games got less expensive. I feel like prices on steam have been steadily falling over the years with so many and frequent discounts. I very rarely have to pay more than $20 for a game.

I don't know exactly how the Australian steam store is, but I suspect a similar trend there.
Title: Re: Australia: Your digital games will get more expensive
Post by: rowdy on Tue, 12 May 2015, 05:21:20
GTAV is $89.95 for example.  That works out to about US$71.82.

Diablo 3 is AUD$59.95.

Far Cry 4 is AUD$89.95.

What kind of prices do these go for in your country (not just US, out of interest)?
Title: Re: Australia: Your digital games will get more expensive
Post by: Wilba on Tue, 12 May 2015, 05:25:39
I'll just leave this here: https://www.steamprices.com    :cool:
Title: Re: Australia: Your digital games will get more expensive
Post by: rowdy on Tue, 12 May 2015, 05:34:23
Quote from: Wilba on Tue, 12 May 2015, 05:25:39
I'll just leave this here: https://www.steamprices.com    :cool:

Haha thanks :)

GTAV: USD$59.99
Diablo 3: not listed
Far Cry 4: US$59.99

So we already pay about 20% on top of US prices.
Title: Re: Australia: Your digital games will get more expensive
Post by: wlhlm on Tue, 12 May 2015, 05:36:21
Quote from: rowdy on Tue, 12 May 2015, 05:21:20
GTAV is $89.95 for example.  That works out to about US$71.82.

Diablo 3 is AUD$59.95.

Far Cry 4 is AUD$89.95.

What kind of prices do these go for in your country (not just US, out of interest)?
GTA V is €60 (~67USD), Far Cry 4 as well.

I guess new "AAA" games are typical retail prices, but Far Cry 4 for example  was 40% off for a weekend for example.
Title: Re: Australia: Your digital games will get more expensive
Post by: iri on Tue, 12 May 2015, 05:37:07
Quote from: fanpeople on Tue, 12 May 2015, 04:21:48
Quote from: baldgye on Tue, 12 May 2015, 04:09:33
yet people still emigrate to Aus in there thousands from the uk...

You know some Brits that do their 22 years in Her Majesties defence force retire with their pension close to their yearly wage, laterally transfer to the Australian defence force and maintain a level of rank and then can do another 15-20 years with two pay checks.
****, I am too old to do that.
Title: Re: Australia: Your digital games will get more expensive
Post by: fanpeople on Tue, 12 May 2015, 05:40:25
Quote from: iri on Tue, 12 May 2015, 05:37:07
Quote from: fanpeople on Tue, 12 May 2015, 04:21:48
Quote from: baldgye on Tue, 12 May 2015, 04:09:33
yet people still emigrate to Aus in there thousands from the uk...

You know some Brits that do their 22 years in Her Majesties defence force retire with their pension close to their yearly wage, laterally transfer to the Australian defence force and maintain a level of rank and then can do another 15-20 years with two pay checks.
****, I am too old to do that.

Its a pretty sweet deal for them, but I think it will dry up soon and Australia may reduce/scrap the program on accounts of the reduction in overseas commitments.
Title: Re: Australia: Your digital games will get more expensive
Post by: baldgye on Tue, 12 May 2015, 05:50:28
Quote from: fanpeople on Tue, 12 May 2015, 05:40:25
Quote from: iri on Tue, 12 May 2015, 05:37:07
Quote from: fanpeople on Tue, 12 May 2015, 04:21:48
Quote from: baldgye on Tue, 12 May 2015, 04:09:33
yet people still emigrate to Aus in there thousands from the uk...

You know some Brits that do their 22 years in Her Majesties defence force retire with their pension close to their yearly wage, laterally transfer to the Australian defence force and maintain a level of rank and then can do another 15-20 years with two pay checks.
****, I am too old to do that.

Its a pretty sweet deal for them, but I think it will dry up soon and Australia may reduce/scrap the program on accounts of the reduction in overseas commitments.

I'm not convinced Australia is a place I would want to live lol
Title: Re: Australia: Your digital games will get more expensive
Post by: fanpeople on Tue, 12 May 2015, 06:03:49
Quote from: baldgye on Tue, 12 May 2015, 05:50:28
Quote from: fanpeople on Tue, 12 May 2015, 05:40:25
Quote from: iri on Tue, 12 May 2015, 05:37:07
Quote from: fanpeople on Tue, 12 May 2015, 04:21:48
Quote from: baldgye on Tue, 12 May 2015, 04:09:33
yet people still emigrate to Aus in there thousands from the uk...

You know some Brits that do their 22 years in Her Majesties defence force retire with their pension close to their yearly wage, laterally transfer to the Australian defence force and maintain a level of rank and then can do another 15-20 years with two pay checks.
****, I am too old to do that.

Its a pretty sweet deal for them, but I think it will dry up soon and Australia may reduce/scrap the program on accounts of the reduction in overseas commitments.

I'm not convinced Australia is a place I would want to live lol

Having visited Europe a few years back, I am not going to try and convince you  :p I love Europe... except the Vespers dam the Vespers
Title: Re: Australia: Your digital games will get more expensive
Post by: demik on Tue, 12 May 2015, 13:39:34
Quote from: rowdy on Tue, 12 May 2015, 05:34:23
Quote from: Wilba on Tue, 12 May 2015, 05:25:39
I'll just leave this here: https://www.steamprices.com    :cool:

Haha thanks :)

GTAV: USD$59.99
Diablo 3: not listed
Far Cry 4: US$59.99

So we already pay about 20% on top of US prices.

Yeah but your minimum wage is higher. Minimum wage worker here has to work more to make money to get the cheaper game.
Title: Re: Australia: Your digital games will get more expensive
Post by: tp4tissue on Tue, 12 May 2015, 13:41:56
Quote from: demik on Tue, 12 May 2015, 13:39:34
Quote from: rowdy on Tue, 12 May 2015, 05:34:23
Quote from: Wilba on Tue, 12 May 2015, 05:25:39
I'll just leave this here: https://www.steamprices.com    :cool:

Haha thanks :)

GTAV: USD$59.99
Diablo 3: not listed
Far Cry 4: US$59.99

So we already pay about 20% on top of US prices.

Yeah but your minimum wage is higher. Minimum wage worker here has to work more to make money to get the cheaper game.

Also, they get to live in australia..  they good good weather.. the r00s.. 
Title: Re: Australia: Your digital games will get more expensive
Post by: baldgye on Tue, 12 May 2015, 13:45:13
Quote from: demik on Tue, 12 May 2015, 13:39:34
Quote from: rowdy on Tue, 12 May 2015, 05:34:23
Quote from: Wilba on Tue, 12 May 2015, 05:25:39
I'll just leave this here: https://www.steamprices.com    :cool:

Haha thanks :)

GTAV: USD$59.99
Diablo 3: not listed
Far Cry 4: US$59.99

So we already pay about 20% on top of US prices.

Yeah but your minimum wage is higher. Minimum wage worker here has to work more to make money to get the cheaper game.

Things like this make comparing prices cross currency/economy's is literally meaningless. But people still do it, hell the prices on steam for Europe are double that of the US, but we have a much higher minimum wage and a higher general standard of living, plus a welfare system.

When it comes to games in Australia I'd be far more pissy about the almost German level of censorship.
Title: Re: Australia: Your digital games will get more expensive
Post by: demik on Tue, 12 May 2015, 13:46:47
Quote from: tp4tissue on Tue, 12 May 2015, 13:41:56
Quote from: demik on Tue, 12 May 2015, 13:39:34
Quote from: rowdy on Tue, 12 May 2015, 05:34:23
Quote from: Wilba on Tue, 12 May 2015, 05:25:39
I'll just leave this here: https://www.steamprices.com    :cool:

Haha thanks :)

GTAV: USD$59.99
Diablo 3: not listed
Far Cry 4: US$59.99

So we already pay about 20% on top of US prices.

Yeah but your minimum wage is higher. Minimum wage worker here has to work more to make money to get the cheaper game.

Also, they get to live in australia..  they good good weather.. the r00s.. 
Eh I stay indoors so weather is irrelevant. Plus I like rain better anyways.
Title: Re: Australia: Your digital games will get more expensive
Post by: iri on Tue, 12 May 2015, 14:16:03
i should be swapped with demik. i'll spend all my time exploring californian nature and he'll get as much rain as he wants.

Quote from: baldgye on Tue, 12 May 2015, 13:45:13
When it comes to games in Australia I'd be far more pissy about the almost German level of censorship.
So you are less pissed about the nature, every inch of which tries to kill you? Or a price of half a million dollars for an average house? Or, worst of all, the lack of unlimited internet?
Title: Re: Australia: Your digital games will get more expensive
Post by: baldgye on Tue, 12 May 2015, 15:05:26
Quote from: iri on Tue, 12 May 2015, 14:16:03
i should be swapped with demik. i'll spend all my time exploring californian nature and he'll get as much rain as he wants.

Quote from: baldgye on Tue, 12 May 2015, 13:45:13
When it comes to games in Australia I'd be far more pissy about the almost German level of censorship.
So you are less pissed about the nature, every inch of which tries to kill you? Or a price of half a million dollars for an average house? Or, worst of all, the lack of unlimited internet?

I'd be pissed about a lot of things living in Australia, but I tailored my post to focus on games b/c thats the topic of the OP.
Title: Re: Australia: Your digital games will get more expensive
Post by: wlhlm on Thu, 14 May 2015, 15:11:46
Upcoming Steam sale in Australia:
(https://i.imgur.com/b0Xo1lJ.jpg)
(from Reddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/pcmasterrace/comments/35xeo3/steams_upcoming_australia_sale/))
Title: Re: Australia: Your digital games will get more expensive
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 14 May 2015, 19:51:13
Quote from: wlhlm on Thu, 14 May 2015, 15:11:46
Upcoming Steam sale in Australia:
Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/b0Xo1lJ.jpg)

(from Reddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/pcmasterrace/comments/35xeo3/steams_upcoming_australia_sale/))

Thank you for your input.
Title: Re: Australia: Your digital games will get more expensive
Post by: Halverson on Thu, 14 May 2015, 20:24:33

Quote from: rowdy on Thu, 14 May 2015, 19:51:13
Quote from: wlhlm on Thu, 14 May 2015, 15:11:46
Upcoming Steam sale in Australia:
Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/b0Xo1lJ.jpg)

(from Reddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/pcmasterrace/comments/35xeo3/steams_upcoming_australia_sale/))

Thank you for your input.

Will have to start gifting games to rowdy! Actually, would that work to avoid the tax??
Title: Re: Australia: Your digital games will get more expensive
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 14 May 2015, 20:37:23
Quote from: Halverson on Thu, 14 May 2015, 20:24:33

Quote from: rowdy on Thu, 14 May 2015, 19:51:13
Quote from: wlhlm on Thu, 14 May 2015, 15:11:46
Upcoming Steam sale in Australia:
Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/b0Xo1lJ.jpg)

(from Reddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/pcmasterrace/comments/35xeo3/steams_upcoming_australia_sale/))

Thank you for your input.

Will have to start gifting games to rowdy! Actually, would that work to avoid the tax??

Probably, as I would not actually be buying anything.
Title: Re: Australia: Your digital games will get more expensive
Post by: Halverson on Thu, 14 May 2015, 21:22:43

Quote from: rowdy on Thu, 14 May 2015, 20:37:23
Quote from: Halverson on Thu, 14 May 2015, 20:24:33

Quote from: rowdy on Thu, 14 May 2015, 19:51:13
Quote from: wlhlm on Thu, 14 May 2015, 15:11:46
Upcoming Steam sale in Australia:
Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/b0Xo1lJ.jpg)

(from Reddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/pcmasterrace/comments/35xeo3/steams_upcoming_australia_sale/))

Thank you for your input.

Will have to start gifting games to rowdy! Actually, would that work to avoid the tax??

Probably, as I would not actually be buying anything.

Well if this ever happens, you can always hit me up.
Title: Re: Australia: Your digital games will get more expensive
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 14 May 2015, 21:34:14
Quote from: Halverson on Thu, 14 May 2015, 21:22:43

Quote from: rowdy on Thu, 14 May 2015, 20:37:23
Quote from: Halverson on Thu, 14 May 2015, 20:24:33

Quote from: rowdy on Thu, 14 May 2015, 19:51:13
Quote from: wlhlm on Thu, 14 May 2015, 15:11:46
Upcoming Steam sale in Australia:
Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/b0Xo1lJ.jpg)

(from Reddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/pcmasterrace/comments/35xeo3/steams_upcoming_australia_sale/))

Thank you for your input.

Will have to start gifting games to rowdy! Actually, would that work to avoid the tax??

Probably, as I would not actually be buying anything.

Well if this ever happens, you can always hit me up.

Thanks :)

Although I'll need to get a new PC to play any half-modern games :(