Australia Pays USD$78.16 for Premium on Consoles

Compared to What the USA is paying for EA's new DLC premium package Australian console players are being ripped off.

This is a sum up of all that has happened for those of you who are new to this thread

http://www.flickr.com/photos/aussiegamer/7179233643/ [flickr.com]

Australian Premium (PS3 Console):
AUD$80 = USD$78.16
USA Premium:
USD$50 = AUD$51.17

So why are Australia console users paying $28 more for the exact same product?!
Meanwhile Australian PC users are only paying $50
Will EA ever tell us why so overpriced here or just stay quiet?!

If you would like to send an official complaint to the ACCC concerning the misleading price and unreasonable markup, please go to the link below:
http://www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/54217#h3_37 [accc.gov.au]

Facebook link for EA customers who are not happy:
http://www.facebook.com/Bf3PremiumEaVictims [facebook.com]

Petition For Premium Fair Pricing:
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/ea-should-sell-bf3-premium-at-the-advertised-prices.html [gopetition.com]

Since this thread was posted EA has changed its wording of the pricing of premium on its web sites to ORIGIN and removed the ps3 pricing. Please find below the original screenshots on PS3 costs from before EA changed its web sites. (So they changed it to “Origin” For $50AUD??? SWEET!
I'll just go to the Origin store... go to Battlefield 3 yep.... click on the ps3 section and hhheeeeeeeyyyyyy wait a second!!!)

http://imgur.com/oGwI1 [imgur.com]
http://imgur.com/j2tOq [imgur.com]
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r82/Faraaz14/BF3.png [i142.photobucket.com]
http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q629/harra3/EAFalseAD.jpg [i1167.photobucket.com]
http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q629/harra3/PS3ADD.jpg [i1167.photobucket.com]
http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/748/battlefield3premiumover.jpg [img703.imageshack.us]

Google cache of the old version of their site... http://goo.gl/prFto [goo.gl]
twitter exchange with Community Managers:
http://imgur.com/kUpIY [imgur.com]

@zh1nt0 now can we get a reponse from someone about Aussie pricing? The silence from EA and DICE has been deafening
@twinsuns7 Hey man. I'll have a word and ask around. I don't work on the publishing side.
@zh1nt0 incidentally, you're non commital response is the first of any kind from DICE or EA on this issue
@twinsuns7 I'll meet up with the Aussie team tomorrow. Will definitely try and get the Aussie community some answers ;)

https://twitter.com/crash7800/status/212305949329850369 [twitter.com]

Commuinications With Community Managers:
EA Games Australia ‎Shane, The 4000 MSP Price point is set globally, and is 4k no matter which marketplace you're in. The advertised $49.95 price is for Origin. As for PS3, I understand the disappointment you guys have with the pricing, and am working with the teams here to see what can be done. –Jiggsy

Hey Sam, I can assure you that the issue is being taken seriously. This morning I received an email from our global Battlefield team, with the following response: "We have heard the feedback from our Australian and New Zealand Battlefield players on BF3 Premium pricing for PlayStation 3, and will have an update after we further evaluate the situation." progress is being made, and the second I have some more info, I'll be posting it. –Jiggsy

I understand what you mean about the Battlelog thread. I probably should have posted something there as well, though I'm not sure I have moderator access, as I haven't logged in for a while. As for a press release, again, these aren't things that can be knocked up in a few minutes and churned out, which is the same reason I don't have any Official statement at the moment. Unfortunately my hands are tied, and if I say the wrong thing, I could lose my job. I've been asking every day since launch, and things have progressed somewhat. I can promise to you guys that as soon as there's ANY kind of info that I can share, I will. –Jiggsy

EA Games Australia
Hey guys,
I recieved this in my email inbox in the early hours of this morning:
"We've been happy to hear the enthusiastic Australian and New Zealand Battlefield fan response to the game changing content and services offered in Battlefield 3 Premium, and equally appreciate their constructive feedback on launch pricing in the region. After further consideration we will be changing our pricing strategy to bring the Battlefield 3 Premium service for PlayStation3 into closer alignment with local market pricing. Starting today, PlayStation 3 fans in Australia will be able to purchase Battlefield 3 Premium for 64.95 and in New Zealand for 79.95. For Australian and New Zealand fans who purchased Battlefield 3 Premium at our initial launch pricing: PlayStation will be refunding the difference. Stay tuned for more details."
I want to personally thank you for your patience during this time. –Jiggsy

Moderators thread post:
xShiri said:
Just in case any of you guys didn't hear the news,
"AUS / NZ PS3 fans can now buy #BF3Premium for AUD 64.95 / NZD 79.95. If you already bought, Sony will be refunding difference."

Facebook Communications with Community Managers:
http://www.facebook.com/EAGamesAustralia/posts/304097396347060?notif_t=share_reply [facebook.com]

Communications With EA Customer Service:
ADVISOR: Hello Nathan,
Thank you for writing back to Electronic Arts. I can see that you are upset with the huge difference in price. Please let me clarify that as for PS3 is available on PlayStation store, price is decided by the Sony not by us (EA). Please contact PlayStation store for a better answer on this. I agree with you that there should not be this much difference between the prices. It was never our intention to disappoint you. Electronic Arts values you and promises to get the matter sorted. You may visit our extensive knowledge base online: http://help.ea.com/ [help.ea.com]
Regards,
Vikrant
Electronic Arts- World Wide Customer Experience
**(Sony has also denied, through customer service, being responsible)

What is misleading pricing?
The price of a good or service is often a good indication of its quality or its availability. Price comparisons can also give you an indication of whether you are getting a good deal or a bargain. When advertising or promoting the price of products or services, traders must not make false or misleading representations.

A trader risks breaching the law if it:

advertises products at a specific price when it does not have a reasonable supply for consumers to purchase
makes inaccurate or misleading price comparisons
represents that an advertised price is the total price that you will have to pay when it is not.

News Articles Covering This Premium Price Disparity For Australians:
http://aussie-gamer.com/news/australian-gamers-furious-over-battlefield-3-premium-pricing-bungle/ [aussie-gamer.com]
http://aussie-gamer.com/news/ea-caves-into-australian-anger-lowers-battlefield-3-premium-price/ [aussie-gamer.com]
http://aussie-gamer.com/news/exclusive-battlefield-3-premium-refunds-promised-after-price-gouging-admitted/ [aussie-gamer.com]
http://www.xboxworld.com.au/news/battlefield-3-premium-has-some-weird-local-pricing.htm [xboxworld.com.au]
http://www.neoseeker.com/news/19483-ea-brings-battlefield-3-premium-price-for-australia-back-in-line/ [neoseeker.com]
http://www.lazygamer.net/xbox-360/australian-gamers-seeth-over-bf3-pricing/ [lazygamer.net]
http://games.on.net/article/15830/Australian_BF3_Players_Vent_Rage_Over_BF3_Premium_Pricing_Disparity [games.on.net]

Articles from 2010 concerning market pricing of games and consoles in Australia:
http://www.kotaku.com.au/2010/11/why-do-videogames-cost-so-much/ [kotaku.com.au]

They have lied before:
https://1943redemption.battlefield.com/ [1943redemption.battlefield.com]
http://www.computerandvideogames.com/241306/dice-well-never-charge-for-battlefield-maps/# [computerandvideogames.com]

Government Investigation into Digital Entertainment Pricing:
http://www.ripten.com/2012/05/08/australian-government-investigating-excessive-digital-entertainment-pricing/ [ripten.com]
http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House_of_Representatives_Committees?url=ic/itpricing/index.htm [aph.gov.au]

On Tarrifs/gst:
tariffs are for video game consoles and 'other' physical entertainment machines. Tariffs are usually only put on things that are physically imported into a country. There is no tariff on electronically delivered software in Australia because it does not physically enter the country through customs. Not only that, but there is no GST (sales tax) either, because it is not sold in a physical store!

http://web.ita.doc.gov/ITI/itiHome.nsf/9b2cb14bda00318585256cc40068ca69/c321b1b57a1a598985256d010070bf9e?OpenDocument#SOFTWARE%20DELIVERED%20OVER%20THE%20INTER [web.ita.doc.gov]

1) PC AUS A$49.99 Console AUS A$79.95. Price discrimination of A$30 cross platform within same country? For same product?
2) False advertising. Refer to http://www.ea.com/au/news/dice-unveil-battlefield-3-premium [ea.com]
3) Poor customer support, rude responses from EA Live Support and nonchalant responses from DICE on twitter, facebook
4) False advertising is misleading conduct and provides ground for action by the ACCC and Fair Trade Office. Also, you can sue if you bought it.
5) It is not so much about the amount A$80, it is the poor response or justification on why there is a A$30 mark up inter-platform in Australia and also inter-regions. A$30 mark up is a 60% of $50 dollars price tag. Again it is a matter of principle, I am sure if justified correctly, we would pay the amount fairly.
Sony Australia:
https://www.facebook.com/sonyaustralia [facebook.com]
EA Australia:
https://www.faceboo [faceboo]

PS3 Price has been Dropp

Had to laugh at the previous thread being locked because "it appears to have done its job". Really? I checked PS store a few minutes ago and it still shows the price as $79.95AUD. EA just keep covering themselves in glory.

krunt0xen said:
Had to laugh at the previous thread being locked because "it appears to have done its job". Really? I checked PS store a few minutes ago and it still shows the price as $79.95AUD. EA just keep covering themselves in glory.

I know what was that all about. gee i wonder if that moderator worked for EA terrible to see this kind of thing happen. We keept it all in one thead and they lock it. I for one am very unimpressed

The funniest part was being told EA would consider a free DLC for Aussie customers after the 2 month 1 bar ping/missing servers fiasco. Then they hit us with this absolute greed. I wasn't surprised at all, sadly. Any Aussie that's already paid should receive a refund of the difference when/if they drop the price. It is NOT a discount if you are dropping the price in response to outrage over predatory pricing. SHAME EA!

worried that our thread with purpose was about to overtake the discussion thread about Premium and this wasnt sticky to the front page. Shame EA

This post has been hidden by the Battlelog administrators.

Agree with you friend, I believe people in the UK are having the same problem not as bad Aus, But one of my friends is not getting Premium due to this issue infact making BF3 harder to play with friends.

Jake the dog (❍ᴥ❍ʋ) and Finn the human | (• ◡•)| ♥
http://youtu.be/TNLKhkAa5II [youtu.be]
http://g.bf3stats.com/ps3/rIZDt7Cv/carlosv91732.png [g.bf3stats.com]

SpawnedX said:
STFU Australia!

Your countries tax policy is why you pay so much more, got a problem with it? Talk to your government.

Dont comment when u have no idea man

Computer $50
Xbox $66
Ps3 $79.95

Do you have these price diferences where you are from

m-unit32 said:

SpawnedX said:
STFU Australia!

Your countries tax policy is why you pay so much more, got a problem with it? Talk to your government.

Dont comment when u have no idea man

Computer $50
Xbox $66
Ps3 $79.95

Do you have these price diferences where you are from

Once again, refer to my comment about tax policy.

This post has been hidden by the Battlelog administrators.

Link to previous thread

http://battlelog.battlefield.com/bf3/forum/threadview/2832654625057253463/#!/bf3/forum/threadview/2832654625057253463/54/ [battlelog.battlefield.com]

SpawnedX said:
STFU Australia!

Your countries tax policy is why you pay so much more, got a problem with it? Talk to your government.

bigwords from a big man who hides his country of orgin perhaps one like ur self should keep his/ her's opinion to themselves

SpawnedX said:
STFU Australia!

Your countries tax policy is why you pay so much more, got a problem with it? Talk to your government.

Its not about the government because its the same way in New Zealand and i dont think our government taxes us for games. EA set the prices for DLC not Sony, Not the Government. If it was the government then why is Ps3 paying $30 more than Xbox and PC for exactly the same content? wouldnt the government put tax on all platforms? so how about you STFU

LoW3_5ta88 said:

SpawnedX said:
STFU Australia!

Your countries tax policy is why you pay so much more, got a problem with it? Talk to your government.

bigwords from a big man who hides his country of orgin perhaps one like ur self should keep his/ her's opinion to themselves

haha dont worry about little children playing key board warrior they bump for us anyway

LoW3_5ta88 said:

SpawnedX said:
STFU Australia!

Your countries tax policy is why you pay so much more, got a problem with it? Talk to your government.

bigwords from a big man who hides his country of orgin perhaps one like ur self should keep his/ her's opinion to themselves

United States of America. Do you need me to type it slower so you can understand? United. States. of. America.

Hiding from what, an internet forum? No wonder other countries never get there hands dirty, they are too busy being afraid of the internet and then applying tough guy syndrome.

SpawnedX said:

m-unit32 said:

SpawnedX said:
STFU Australia!

Your countries tax policy is why you pay so much more, got a problem with it? Talk to your government.

Dont comment when u have no idea man

Computer $50
Xbox $66
Ps3 $79.95

Do you have these price diferences where you are from

Once again, refer to my comment about tax policy.

Lol. You think differentials in tax exist between electronic delivery systems? In a country you clearly know two tenths of fuck all about..

Quit talking out of your arse son.

I really don't get the fools that have no interest in this issue, yet feel compelled to comment here. Are you not playing BF right now because you got molested by an Aussie with an inferior ping? (pro tip: that was a rhetorical question)

Go whinge about whichever weapon you got owned by the worst today trollfags.

We are using legit means to air a grievance with EA, in the hope of getting a response/outcome. If that's hard for you to comprehend, I'd advise you not to play with sharp objects, as you're likely the type that will impale him/herself on your own stupidity before long.

krunt0xen said:

SpawnedX said:

m-unit32 said:

SpawnedX said:
STFU Australia!

Your countries tax policy is why you pay so much more, got a problem with it? Talk to your government.

Dont comment when u have no idea man

Computer $50
Xbox $66
Ps3 $79.95

Do you have these price diferences where you are from

Once again, refer to my comment about tax policy.

Lol. You think differentials in tax exist between electronic delivery systems? In a country you clearly know two tenths of fuck all about..

Quit talking out of your arse son.

I really don't get the fools that have no interest in this issue, yet feel compelled to comment here. Are you not playing BF right now because you got molested by an Aussie with an inferior ping? (pro tip: that was a rhetorical question)

Go whinge about whichever weapon you got owned by the worst today trollfags.

We are using legit means to air a grievance with EA, in the hope of getting a response/outcome. If that's hard for you to comprehend, I'd advise you not to play with sharp objects, as you're likely the type that will impale him/herself on your own stupidity before long.

The method of delivery has nothing to do with it. It was the product is classified as. Your countries import tax system is brutal, riddled with technicalities and basically corrupt, as different companies have different deals. It's sad that a little lowly American like me understands your taxes better than you.

You're just dumb SpawnedX. I'm from NZ and same problem here, in fact it is $40 more over here, 89.90NZD and 49.95USD is not 89.90NZD, it is actually $64.84. What i think is that EA is just simply ripping us off and by us i mean people from AUS and NZ. I guess they're making extra cash on top of the premium by playing with currencies so again i say RIP OFFS!

SpawnedX said:

LoW3_5ta88 said:

SpawnedX said:
STFU Australia!

Your countries tax policy is why you pay so much more, got a problem with it? Talk to your government.

bigwords from a big man who hides his country of orgin perhaps one like ur self should keep his/ her's opinion to themselves

United States of America. Do you need me to type it slower so you can understand? United. States. of. America.

Hiding from what, an internet forum? No wonder other countries never get there hands dirty, they are too busy being afraid of the internet and then applying tough guy syndrome.

You don't need to type it slower, it's quite obvious from you're ignorance and lack of care for other countries.

What EA is doing to AUS here is criminal. I though it was bad in the UK being charged £39.99 when the exchange is more like £32, turns out they are upping individual DLC as well, so I got it anyway.
But Aus is outragous, especially with your exchange rate being so little.
I hope EA get a slap big time for this. And I dream one day we can play a DICE game without the evil EA commanding -_-

When EA comes out and explains it is about taxation, will you all eat crow pie?

We don't pay any import tax on downloaded software dipshit.

Why is this such a HUGE topic all of a sudden.

Aus has ALWAYS been this way. It's a giant Island in the middle of Nowhere, this is where you get your price inflation .


I have a neighbor who gave me an Aussie Xbox. ( cant use it unless I buy a 130 dollar adapter )
she bought it a week after launch. I noticed the receipts were still in the box, and in some of the games.

The Original Xbox $679.99

Games cost from 79.99 to 99.99.

Which is why it is $50.00 on the PC, dipshit.

Too bad, that even though you are downloading it on PS3 and 360, that it's not classified as downloaded software. Antiquated laws make for such issues. Who would have thought.

GoldStandard29 said:
You're just dumb SpawnedX. I'm from NZ and same problem here, in fact it is $40 more over here, 89.90NZD and 49.95USD is not 89.90NZD, it is actually $64.84. What i think is that EA is just simply ripping us off and by us i mean people from AUS and NZ. I guess they're making extra cash on top of the premium by playing with currencies so again i say RIP OFFS!

They seem to think the exchange rate is still 60cents to our dollar. They need to watch the news stupid EA

SpawnedX said:
STFU Australia!

Your countries tax policy is why you pay so much more, got a problem with it? Talk to your government.

Uneducated dick!

Wipe the shit off your chin SpawnedX

SIapChop said:
Why is this such a HUGE topic all of a sudden.

Aus has ALWAYS been this way. It's a giant Island in the middle of Nowhere, this is where you get your price inflation .


I have a neighbor who gave me an Aussie Xbox. ( cant use it unless I buy a 130 dollar adapter )
she bought it a week after launch. I noticed the receipts were still in the box, and in some of the games.

The Original Xbox $679.99

Games cost from 79.99 to 99.99.

Our exchange rate was way different when that price was for the Xbox. And that is infact imported. DLC NO!

yeah but still paying $100 for new games :(

lol Keep the insults rolling

Well, I won't be buying this until the pricing issue is sorted out.

You Aussies and Kiwis have my support.