Guild Wars 2 pricing discrepancy blamed on taxes, distribution costs

The Collector's Edition of Guild Wars 2 costs significantly more outside the US, which NCSoft attributes to a number of factors.

"Currency fluctuations, distribution costs, taxes and market conditions in addition to the cost of goods are all contributing factors when setting pricing. These vary dramatically between NA and EU and our pricing is competitive and adjusted accordingly," a representative told PC Gamer.

It's also worth noting that the US price tag of $150 is pre sales and other taxes, while the European pricing of €150 (£130 in the UK) already contains VAT.

Fans raised concerns about the special edition's pricing as current exchange rates make the US release seem significantly cheaper; if you have doubts about the costs NCSoft is shouldering, check out the price of importing games from the US. Shipping is nastily expensive.

Guild Wars 2 is in closed beta testing and expected to launch before the end of the year. The Collector's Edition includes a statue, five art prints, a Making of Guild Wars 2 hardback book, a Best of Guild Wars 2 Soundtrack CD, and five in-game items.