Doom The Dark Ages regional prices on Steam are looking wild. Prepare to be confused

As we were wrapping up discussions about Xbox and PlayStation increasing their console and accessory costs, the debate over escalating game prices has grown even more intense. The GTA 6 $100 joke lost its humor when it began to seem plausible. It all started with Nintendo’s Mario Kart World, and now Microsoft announced that Xbox games will reach $80 by year’s end. Granted, some digital versions are still less expensive than physical ones, but if you take a look at the suggested retail prices for major titles on Steam, it might come as a surprise.

When the price is not right

Check out the estimated prices for Doom: The Dark Ages on Steam and try to convince yourself that the world isn’t experiencing some kind of monetary anomaly. Steam’s pricing system adjusts according to exchange rates, purchasing power, and local market conditions, resulting in suggested prices being displayed in various currencies. Sometimes, the chart might take a second or two to process.

For instance, consider China. While Valve recommends the price at approximately $33 USD (238 CNY), the actual selling price is $48.30. However, this is minimal compared to regions such as Taiwan, South Asia, or India where prices have skyrocketed by 100% or more. This trend isn’t exclusive to Doom: The Dark Ages; it can be observed with most major titles. Look at the suggested prices from Valve for GTA IV Enhanced, Oblivion Remastered, or AC Shadows – you’ll find the same pattern. On the other hand, the majority of indie games and creations from smaller studios (like Deck of Haunts, Ratopia, or Drop Duchy) continue to adhere to Valve’s suggested prices.

It’s important to note that labeling large corporations as purely greedy might not tell the whole story. While it’s true they’ve increased prices, there are factors like rapid market changes and unstable currencies that can play a role in their decisions. Sometimes, they adjust game prices to keep up with these shifts. However, when you consider a title like “Doom: The Dark Ages” with an increase of over 50% across most countries, it certainly raises eyebrows and seems questionable.

In conclusion, let’s close with a cheerful remark.

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2025-05-08 15:09