Indian gamers are revealing their outrage at EA's decision to increase game prices in the region to 3,499 rupees which works out at around $58.
Previously, games had cost as little as 999 rupees or $16.50. While the rise brings game prices in India in line with US prices the low cost of living and wages means games cost proporentially more. One Indian gamer notes that his rent for a month is 9,000 rupees ($149).
EA announced that FIFA 13 would be increased to 2,499 rupees ($41) while both Battlefield 4 and Need for Speed: Rivals will be 3,499 dollars. Battlefield 3 cost 1,499 rupees ($25) at time of release and on average the increase is between 66 and 133 per cent.
Console games are up to 3,499 from 2,999 last year while PC gamers have seen prices rise from 999 to 1,499.
The decision to increase the price of games is a result of PC players from other regions using the country's VPNs to take advantage of lower prices.
Taking into account the amount of money most Indians have for videogames many will likely be unable to legally purchase games which will most probably increase piracy. EA could use Steam's example of region locking as an alternative solution to this problem.
Earlier this year, EA layed off 50 employees at the company's Hydrabad studio in India.
Source: VR Zone.
