Microsoft's product and marketing manager for Xbox, Yvette van Rooyen, has come forward to explain the pricing for Xbox Live in SA.
Local gamers, who have been waiting for an official version of the service to arrive for nearly four years, are upset they will be expected to fork out more for a South African-tailored version.
Gamers argue that the local service will add little value compared to their existing workarounds, while costing nearly 40% more.
Following Microsoft's initial lack of explanation on the high pricing, Van Rooyen has since shared information on the launch specials gamers can expect when the service goes live on 10 November.
“We have very high import duties and taxes in SA,” she explains. “Over and above that, the channel margins are in most cases higher than countries in Europe.”
Xbox Live products are available as online purchases, through the console or on the Xbox Web site. Both the Live subscriptions and MS Points cards are also available as single-use voucher cards, with redeemable codes. These cards are what local gamers will be able to purchase at participating stores across the country.
In an effort to “ease the pain a bit”, Van Rooyen says Microsoft has come up with some cracking deals.
All 12-month subscriptions sold at launch will include an additional two months for free.
Customers who purchase any Call of Duty game, or bundle, will be able to get a 14-month subscription for R200 less than the normal price.
Finally, those who purchase a new Xbox console will be able to get the same R200 discount on a 14-month subscription.
The full price for one-year subscription to Xbox Live is R599.
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