Steam updated its regional pricing system and favored Argentina

Steam announced a key change to its regional pricing system. As reported by Valve, the update seeks to respond to one of the most repeated complaints from users, especially in countries such as Argentina

.

The novelty introduces new tools for developers to better adjust the value of their games according to each country. The objective is to achieve prices that are more in line with the economic reality of each market

.

How the new Steam pricing system works

As announced by Valve, the change impacts 35 currencies and 4 regional groups. The company updated the conversion data to better reflect the Latin American economic context

.

In addition, new options were added for studios and publishers to define their prices with greater flexibility. This does not involve automatic changes in values, but it opens the door to substantive improvements

.

The three methods introduced by Steam

The new system allows you to choose between three ways to calculate prices:

• Exchange rate: based on the current price of each currency.

• Purchasing power: consider the average income of each country.

Multivariable model: combines exchange rate, consumption and local market.

As Valve explained, this last method is the closest to the system used until now. However, the incorporation of the purchasing power criterion could favor countries where international prices are out of step with respect to revenues

.

What changes for developers and players

The whole point is that Steam will not change prices automatically. The final decision will remain in the hands of the developers.

Studies can choose a method, combine them or directly set manual values.

This opens the door to tighter strategies by region and, potentially, to more affordable prices.

Key warning about price changes

Valve also emphasized an important condition: If a

game goes up in price, it cannot be discounted for 30 days

.

• The restriction applies to all regions, not just where the value was changed.

This forces studios to better plan their price updates and promotions.

A historic user complaint The

regional price on Steam has been generating debate for years. Differences between countries and unclear adjustments were a constant complaint from the community.

With this change, Valve seeks greater transparency and more precise tools. He also confirmed that he will update the prices of his own games and asked the developers for feedback

.

The new system is now available, but it will be applied only when each studio decides to review its prices. The impact will be gradual, although in cases where the purchasing power model is adopted, a set of USD 70 could drop to about USD 35 in Argentina

.