Valve has announced European currency is now put to use for its Steam distribution service, after what's been described as "an eternity of currency conversion, hidden sales tax (WHY?!) and obscure over-pricing". Both pounds and euros are available, and the VAT is now included in price.
It's not just simple and straight good news, however. Though of course it is the beta, users are reporting some of the pricing is, for lack of a better term, pretty whack. Some are even going so far as to develop conspiracy theories Valve is attempting to charge the same amount in each country regardless of currency, as some games (like Left 4 Dead) are priced at $49.99 and € 49,99 ($66.74 USD). While the latter part is true, there are also some insane deals due to the changes which Steam users should probably get on if interested while the gettin's good. Rock, Paper, Shotgun details:
Bioshock is currently £13.99. On the US Steam it’s at a mystifying $54.99. Which when bought at UK prices, with tax, would be £42.38. That’s a mysterious saving of over £28. Er, blimey. The Complete Pack for Civ IV is a whopping $59.99 for Americans. That would have been £46.21 for us. It’s £26.99 on the EU beta. Even some brand new games, like GTA 4, have notable savings. US converted price: £30.80. EU price: £26.99. And the complete publisher packs are currently insanely cheap. Fire sale prices.
Edit: Have to include this one. Civ 3 Complete US: £23.12. Civ 3 Complete UK: £2.99. Huh?
