Riot Games adjusts regional pricing for virtual currency across all its live titles

Riot Games has announced that it will be modifying the regional currency pricing in all live games and that this will affect players from several regions.

Pricing changes, which will be implemented on September 18, are with concerns that some individuals are using third-party websites to purchase items when they are much cheaper in other countries. Ukraine will see the highest hike, with the price adjustments being between 64 and 74 %.

These changes will apply to games such as League of Legends, Teamfight Tactics, Valorant, Legends of Runeterra and League of Legends: Wild Rift. On the other hand, despite some regions experiencing huge increases, the United States will not be impacted by the changes.

Riot Games cracks down on currency exploitation with new pricing adjustments

Riot maintains that the changes are needed to combat manipulation by third parties, where persons or entities use VPNs and server transfers to purchase virtual currency in regions with low prices and resell it elsewhere at a profit. The developer mentioned that, in some regions, a high percentage of out-of-the-region transactions involving virtual currencies are made by either the players or third parties.

Riot Games admitted that it might be difficult for players affected in regions where significant price increases have occurred due to the changes, but its most important point was that the changes are practical and are aimed at promoting fairness and reducing the exploitation of the system. The company explained that the aim is to build a model that is more balanced and equitable in pricing globally. 

Certain regions face significant price hikes while others get reductions

There are steep increases for some regions, while other markets will have decreases in the virtual currency. Ukraine is set to be hit hardest with an increase of about 74% for all the titles under riot games. In the Philippines, prices of League of Legends and Teamfight Tactics will increase by up to 40%. Meanwhile, Vietnam will see a roaring price growth regard of 41%. However, in Colombia, the pricing for virtual currencies to play Legends of Runeterra will drop by 16%.

Riot Games asserted that this attempt is not just about balancing the price but also about making sure that there is a legitimate and fair distribution of virtual currency transactions across the regions. The developer hopes that the new model will reduce the reasons for abuse and create optimal conditions for players regardless of the geographical market.