Xbox Live Gold prices are reportedly going up in select markets

According to a report Gameinformer, Microsoft will soon increase the price of the Xbox Live Gold subscription in Austria, Hungary, Israel, South Africa, Sweden, and Turkey starting June 20 to adjust on currency fluctuation. Our colleagues learned about the price increase after a reader from South Africa sent them the following email from the Xbox team:

In the US, the current price of the Xbox Live gold monthly subscription is $9.99 per month (or $59.99 per year). In South Africa, the increased monthly fee (R159) will represent about $10.33. While Microsoft didn’t share the adjusted prices for Hungary, Israel, Sweden and Turkey, it has already told GameInformer that “the new price in Austria aligns with other European markets,” which is currently €6.99.

A Microsoft representative also shared more details about the price increase in a email to Gameinformer:

We occasionally update pricing in a given market to provide a balance of service and value, and in some instances, meet currency fluctuations within the region, and will be adjusting the price of Xbox Live Gold subscription in a small number of markets on June 20, 2016. We do so always keeping in mind that our goal is to offer our members the premium gaming and entertainment service at a fair price.

While this price increase is obviously not good news for Xbox owners in the affected markets, the Xbox Live subscription (which is optional) is still great value for your Xbox One or even your Xbox 360: the subscription will not only allow you to play multiplayer games on Xbox Live and use social features with your friends such as party chat but also grant you free games and exclusive discounts every month. Last, it’s still possible to pay less for Xbox Live Gold  by choosing an annual subscription or by buying a discounted code on the Internets (which are not region-locked). If you’re a Xbox Live Gold subscriber living in one of the markets affected by the price increase, please tell us in the comments if these changes may push you to reconsider your subscription in the coming months.