Looks like $1 = €1 after all

stranded · 12-17-2008, 02:08 PM

If you will notice, this member was banned. I won't go into the reasons why, but suffice it to say it was in violation of the forum rules. This thread is intended to allow you, as affected customers, to express civil and constructive opinions regarding how this affects you and what can be done to overcome this currency issue. Don't flame, troll, or rant and rave. Express your opinions in a civil and constructive manner and please keep it on topic. Thank you from the forum staff!

And some good news:

It seems that our friends from S2 Games have changed the price of Savage 2 to 6.99€, which is exactly the same amount as $9.99.

Proof: http://forums.steampowered.com/forum...postcount=1531

Store link: http://store.steampowered.com/app/13700/?cc=pl

----------------------------

I don't see "Enable/Disable European Store Beta" anymore so I assume it's going to stay like this?

Well, goodbye Steam, it was great while it lasted. I will continue to use my Steam account and my Steam games as long as I can, and I will probably enter some retail CD keys into the account (for future Valve games) when I have a chance.

But the whole $=€ forced me to resign from buying anything on Steam. I have got a special USD Visa card that actually had some great deal when I bought something in $$$, right now it's pointless.

Thanks Valve! Another disappointment of the year.

Discuss, Europeans only I guess (of course apparently for Valve UK is not Europe and their prices are even lower than those in USA - some of them).

Update #1:

If you do not agree with this non-sense exchange rate join our group:
1€ ≠ 1$

Update #2:

Did Valve set those prices?

Something for Valve's defence: taken from GoG.com forums (direct link)

Quote:

Vandal (CD Projekt): Just remember, Steam doesn't necessarily set the prices for games on the site -- they've asked publishers about the prices they'd like to sell games at. Publishers have to approve the pricing, or they have an option of changing it. With The Witcher: Enhanced Edition we asked them to lower the price in Europe (well, Eastern Europe, where the game is available on Steam) to be in-line with market expectations.

...

Valve sent us an email basically saying "here's what we're doing and here are the prices we're planning to use -- let us know if you need them adjusted" and I'd suspect that other publishers must have gotten that same email.. particularly considering the fact that we only have one game on Steam, so we're a minor player.

Read this:
http://forums.savage2.com/showpost.p...1&postcount=10

Quote:

Steam sets the prices on it, users can still upgrade to a prime account with us for $9.99 US

Whole topic on official S2 forums:
http://forums.savage2.com/showthread.php?t=14745

Example of current rip-off prices:

Call of Duty 4

(Germany)
49,99 US$ = 34,72 €
49.99 € = 71.970603 US$

(Switzerland)
49.99 US$ = 54 CHF
49.99 € = 77.8 CHF

(Norway)
49,99 US$ = 340,54kr
49,99 € = 479,38kr

(Denmark)
49,99 US$ = 258.859465 Danish kroner
49,99 € = 371.385675 Danish kroner

(Hungary)
49,99 US$=9457 HUF
49,99 € =13327 HUF

(Poland)
49,99 US$ = 141,14 PLN/Zloty
49,99 € = 203,20 PLN/Zloty

Update #3:

Games sold in USD (American Dollar) with VAT tax added at the end of the purchase were cheaper than games sold in EUROS right now.

Here's a proof:

Call of Duty 4

USD+ VAT Tax
$49.99 + 19% ($9.49) = $59,4

Keep in mind some countries have VAT of more than 19% (22-25%) but it's STILL cheaper ($49,99 + $14,65 is the MAXIMUM = $64,68), but why does the WHOLE EUROPE have to pay the same amount? It was good how it was before.

EUROS with NO TAX
€49.99 = $70.59

Need a proof on paper?
(thanks to Xmeagol^) http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/1042/cod4hu8.jpg
(note: the price on the screenshot of Call of Duty 4 was HIGHER back then when it got released, pretend it's $49.99)

More to this, nations like Norwegians DID NOT pay any VAT tax at all, because they DO NOT pay VAT tax in their country - for example when it comes to downloading content or other medias.
Some other countries don't pay VAT as well.

Proof:

(thanks to bent) http://www.flyer.no/sacred2.jpg
(thanks to Shagma) http://bildr.no/view/307415

Conclusion?
With the example above game like Call of Duty 4 is now 27% more expensive for people paying in € than it was before.

Update #4:

Rest of World Steam Group Announcement

Steam Store and localized currency for Europe and UK

Update #5:

All European Union residents should watch this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NV3NQiZFO1k

If you want to know more about your rights visit this website:
www.dolceta.eu

It's available in all EU languages. More about European Commission below!

As for VAT information (thanks to wiak):

Quote:

here is proof that there is no VAT on digital downloads in norway

Norwegian:
Siden ”digital” innførsel av programvare til EDB ikke lenger skal regnes som vare i relasjon til merverdiavgiftsloven § 62, skal det ikke lenger oppkreves merverdiavgift ved innførselen. =

English:
Since the "digital" import of software to the computer no longer be regarded as goods in relation to the VAT Act Section 62, there shall be no longer Collect VAT by item.

Source:
http://www.toll.no/templates_TAD/Cir...epslanguage=NO

Source in english
http://translate.google.com/translat...NO&sl=no&tl=en

__________________________________________________ ______________

European Commission:

Update on EU Commission:
Please watch this video, it gives basic information about EU Commission:
Click Here!

If you are a resident of European Union you should, in my opinion, fill out the form below and send it.

[SIZE="3"]Do you feel discriminated? Feel there's nothing you can do? Living in EU country?

You can always file complaint at the website of the European Commission. <- click on it.

How to fill it out (example): CLICK HERE
Remember to mention that there are differences between UK and rest of Europe, that's the main point - that part is NOT visible on the screenshot!.

By popular request I'm posting the text for the point 3 of the petition:[INDENT][COLOR="Plum"]The company called Valve (valvesoftware.com) is discriminating it's European customers. Since they added a so called "European Local Currency" to their store the prices went up by at least 27% up for all residents in European Union, the worst thing is that United Kingdom (Great Britain) has LOWER prices, which simply shows that VALVE doesn't treat it's European customers equally - which is against the European law. Their exchange rate of currency is outrages, for example a product worth $19.99 was "converted" to €19.99. Official news regarding the European currency: www.store.steampowered.com/news/2110/.
(change it a little bit if you want)

What's this gonna change? Apple did the same thing in the beginning of 2008, European Commission forced them to adjust the prices to EU.

Article about it: click here

Articles on the net:

What you shouldn't do:

Proxy:

Sure you can browse the Steam Store using proxy servers in USA and see everything in $ again. But if you want to buy anything you need to:

1) pay with American VISA or other US credit card
2) American PayPal or any other payment method that proves you're in US

What happens if VALV€ finds out?

You will be banned somehow probably or your account will be disabled permanently. Yes, there is nothing about proxy in the Steam Subscriber Agreement, but still VAVL€ will act against it.

So simply don't try it.

It's easier to ask your friend outside Europe to buy something for you!

Steam Support:

Do not spam Steam Support about this, remember there are lots of players and Steam users out there who may need their help with their stolen accounts, broken games etc.

Fatbubba · 12-17-2008, 02:14 PM

So Steam now mimics retail prices more closely (at least for me as a Dutchy). I can't say I'm surprised. The moment they said they were working on localized stores I expected this, I'm at a loss why others didn't as well.

Sure it's been great living of the weak dollar for months, but I didn't expect that to last. Retail still sets the prices for all and will be continuing to do so for pretty long I guess.

stranded · 12-17-2008, 02:16 PM

Let me just mention that retail prices all over Europe are much lower than this...thing in Steam store. It's pointless now, they don't even sell anything physical, so why the ♥♥♥♥ is it more expensive? Shouldn't it be the opposite like the whole idea of Steam suggested back in 2003?

remm · 12-17-2008, 02:18 PM

Yeah, that's just lame. Oh well, I guess it was fun for a while, indeed.

Fatbubba · 12-17-2008, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stranded

Let me just mention that retail prices all over Europe are much lower than this...thing in Steam store. It's pointless now, they don't even sell anything physical, so why the ♥♥♥♥ is it more expensive? Shouldn't it be the opposite like the whole idea of Steam suggested back in 2003?

As long as retail still holds the majority of sales? No.

Maybe it just needs to be more specified for different countries within Europe, or we Dutchies are just always shafted in retail with higher prices. I don't know.

Air_Force · 12-17-2008, 02:25 PM

Ohh ****

Thats sucks, even retail is much cheaper here (slovakia)

lets compare

GTA IV 43,12€ Retail vs 49,99 € Steam
Left 4 Dead 43,12 € Retail vs 49,99€ Steam
Football Manager 2009 33,16 € Retail vs 49,95 € Steam

Well with this prices , i wont buy anything from Steam, sorry...

Zuko · 12-17-2008, 02:26 PM

prices:
game | steam | retail (in poland)
cod4 | 50€ | 12,5€
l4d | 45€ | 13€ (promotion) / 30 (normal price)

there are more examples...

$ = €... nonsense

Spidery_Yoda · 12-17-2008, 02:27 PM

That really sucks for you EU folk

. I'm in the UK so the change is good for me, but I can't believe yours is like that. Even the prices for Valve's games!

I'd like to hear their reasoning really. The prices are too high.

Tharon · 12-17-2008, 02:29 PM

Great move.

Now Steam is a lot more expensive than retail games. And you can't resell of give the phsyical game to a friend.

If Valve wanted to cut down european customers for some reason, the task is now accomplished.

Zuko · 12-17-2008, 02:35 PM

cod5 - steam 50€ - retail 30€...
farcry2 - steam 50€ - retail 20€
fallout 3 - steam 50€ - retail 25€

Maledictus010 · 12-17-2008, 02:43 PM

I CAN't BELIEVE THIS!!!
We non-americans get ***** AGAIN. I wanted to buy crysis last week but waited, now the price has DOUBLED for me. Overnight. Current retail prices here (NL) are now all lower than steam prices, this is insane. Excuse me for shouting here but i feel violated. This is the final straw, it's goodbye Steam. Are you seeing this valve? i'm NEVER buying anything again here. I know, no-one cares, but what else can i do but voice my frustration in the forums. It's a good thing that Valve is half a world away 'cause i would probably come by the offices to speak my mind...
Sorry again, but man am i jarateed...

KrixBOI · 12-17-2008, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zuko

cod5 - steam 50€ - retail 30€...
farcry2 - steam 50€ - retail 20€
fallout 3 - steam 50€ - retail 25€

$50 = 340,54kr
50€ = 479,38kr

479,38kr = $70,38

Norway

Fatbubba · 12-17-2008, 02:47 PM

Seems the localization on euros is only focused on certain area's like the Netherlands and Germany amongst other. Probably the bigger combined markets within Europe for Steam together with the UK.

It would be nice for all if the prices get specified further looking at those retail prices you guys are posting....or maybe I should just move out of Holland :S

Air_Force · 12-17-2008, 02:53 PM

All that regional pricing & restrictions are complete bull♥♥♥♥ on digital distribution, why does game cost more in Slovakia than in UK or US ? Download is more expensive here or what ?

And now this superb deal 1$=1€ ... I really liked (and still like) Steam service , but this prices are unacceptable for me and for many other people i believe.
I hope prices will be updated, and if they wont , goodbye Steam.

Adradis · 12-17-2008, 02:54 PM

No: It's called the market: You Euro people have proven to the companies that your willing to pay for a baseball bat up your rear, so you get it. If you all stopped PAYING so much, then it wouldn't be WORTH so much.

12-17-2008, 02:26 PM	#7
Zuko Join Date: Jul 2008 Reputation: 116 Posts: 245	prices: game \| steam \| retail (in poland) cod4 \| 50€ \| 12,5€ l4d \| 45€ \| 13€ (promotion) / 30 (normal price) there are more examples... $ = €... nonsense Last edited by Zuko: 12-17-2008 at 02:33 PM.

12-17-2008, 02:35 PM	#10
Zuko Join Date: Jul 2008 Reputation: 116 Posts: 245	cod5 - steam 50€ - retail 30€... farcry2 - steam 50€ - retail 20€ fallout 3 - steam 50€ - retail 25€ Last edited by Zuko: 12-17-2008 at 02:40 PM.

12-17-2008, 02:43 PM	#11
Maledictus010 Join Date: Nov 2007 Reputation: 13 Posts: 184	I CAN't BELIEVE THIS!!! We non-americans get ***** AGAIN. I wanted to buy crysis last week but waited, now the price has DOUBLED for me. Overnight. Current retail prices here (NL) are now all lower than steam prices, this is insane. Excuse me for shouting here but i feel violated. This is the final straw, it's goodbye Steam. Are you seeing this valve? i'm NEVER buying anything again here. I know, no-one cares, but what else can i do but voice my frustration in the forums. It's a good thing that Valve is half a world away 'cause i would probably come by the offices to speak my mind... Sorry again, but man am i jarateed... Last edited by Silicon Vampire: 12-17-2008 at 02:47 PM.

12-17-2008, 02:47 PM	#13
Fatbubba Join Date: Feb 2007 Reputation: 349 Posts: 1,642	Seems the localization on euros is only focused on certain area's like the Netherlands and Germany amongst other. Probably the bigger combined markets within Europe for Steam together with the UK. It would be nice for all if the prices get specified further looking at those retail prices you guys are posting....or maybe I should just move out of Holland :S Last edited by Fatbubba: 12-17-2008 at 02:50 PM.

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12-17-2008, 02:14 PM	#2
Fatbubba Join Date: Feb 2007 Reputation: 349 Posts: 1,642	So Steam now mimics retail prices more closely (at least for me as a Dutchy). I can't say I'm surprised. The moment they said they were working on localized stores I expected this, I'm at a loss why others didn't as well. Sure it's been great living of the weak dollar for months, but I didn't expect that to last. Retail still sets the prices for all and will be continuing to do so for pretty long I guess.

12-17-2008, 02:16 PM	#3
stranded Banned Join Date: Jul 2007 Reputation: 100 Posts: 1,256	Let me just mention that retail prices all over Europe are much lower than this...thing in Steam store. It's pointless now, they don't even sell anything physical, so why the ♥♥♥♥ is it more expensive? Shouldn't it be the opposite like the whole idea of Steam suggested back in 2003?

12-17-2008, 02:18 PM	#4
remm Join Date: Aug 2008 Reputation: 2 Posts: 81	Yeah, that's just lame. Oh well, I guess it was fun for a while, indeed.

12-17-2008, 02:25 PM	#6
Air_Force Join Date: May 2008 Reputation: 33 Posts: 227	Ohh **** Thats sucks, even retail is much cheaper here (slovakia) lets compare GTA IV 43,12€ Retail vs 49,99 € Steam Left 4 Dead 43,12 € Retail vs 49,99€ Steam Football Manager 2009 33,16 € Retail vs 49,95 € Steam Well with this prices , i wont buy anything from Steam, sorry...

12-17-2008, 02:27 PM	#8
Spidery_Yoda Join Date: Oct 2007 Reputation: 815 Posts: 5,142	That really sucks for you EU folk . I'm in the UK so the change is good for me, but I can't believe yours is like that. Even the prices for Valve's games! I'd like to hear their reasoning really. The prices are too high.

12-17-2008, 02:29 PM	#9
Tharon Join Date: Jan 2008 Reputation: 46 Posts: 552	Great move. Now Steam is a lot more expensive than retail games. And you can't resell of give the phsyical game to a friend. If Valve wanted to cut down european customers for some reason, the task is now accomplished.

12-17-2008, 02:53 PM	#14
Air_Force Join Date: May 2008 Reputation: 33 Posts: 227	All that regional pricing & restrictions are complete bull♥♥♥♥ on digital distribution, why does game cost more in Slovakia than in UK or US ? Download is more expensive here or what ? And now this superb deal 1$=1€ ... I really liked (and still like) Steam service , but this prices are unacceptable for me and for many other people i believe. I hope prices will be updated, and if they wont , goodbye Steam.

12-17-2008, 02:54 PM	#15
Adradis Join Date: Feb 2008 Reputation: 160 Posts: 1,767	No: It's called the market: You Euro people have proven to the companies that your willing to pay for a baseball bat up your rear, so you get it. If you all stopped PAYING so much, then it wouldn't be WORTH so much.