The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →On October 18, 2023, HotHardware reported that some Activision game prices on Steam had risen sharply in several regions, with changes observed on October 16. Its largest reported increase was 2,402%—roughly 24 times the former price—but this was a regional, title-specific figure, not a blanket increase across all Activision games or Steam markets.
What prices did HotHardware report?
The clearest example in the report was Call of Duty: Black Ops II and III in Argentina: HotHardware reported that each went from 999 ARS to 24,000 ARS. It compared the new Argentine price, converted to US dollars at the time of its report, at about $68.57 with a US price of $59.99. That nominal exchange-rate comparison does not show what either price meant for local purchasing power or affordability.
HotHardware also reported that Halo: The Master Chief Collection in the Philippines increased from 898 PHP to 2,190 PHP, about 2.4 times the earlier price. It described the increase for that title in Argentina as fourfold. These examples illustrate why the reported 2,402% maximum should not be applied to every game or country.
Which regions were affected?
HotHardware said most prices in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom were unaffected, while prices rose in many other regions. It singled out Argentina and Turkey as among the hardest-hit markets and also named Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Africa, South Korea, and Ukraine. The report said its regional list was not comprehensive and that the changes differed by game and territory.
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- MULTIPLAYER BUILT ON CONTROL — Engage in grounded, precise combat where fluid movement, player choice, and refined mechanics give you greater control in every firefight.
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Did Microsoft’s acquisition cause the increases?
The timing placed the changes shortly after Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard King closed, and HotHardware framed them as a possible early knock-on effect. Timing alone does not establish that the acquisition caused the price changes, identify who decided them, or explain why. HotHardware said it contacted Microsoft for comment, but its report did not include a company explanation. There is no attributable company statement in the cited reporting that confirms a reason for the changes.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How can you check a Steam game’s price history?
SteamDB’s price-history tracker can help investigate historical regional prices. As described on its tracker page, SteamDB covers 41 supported Steam currencies, has price data dating back to 2012, and detects price changes within minutes. SteamDB also says it is not affiliated with Valve or Steam. Those descriptions explain the tool’s scope; they do not independently verify each 2023 price example HotHardware reported.
Rank #2
- Legacy Edition Includes: Infinite Warfare and Modern Warfare Remastered*;Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) Content Description: Blood and gore, drug reference, intense violence, strong language, suggestive themes
- Infinity Ward reaches new heights with Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare, which returns to the roots of the franchise with large-scale war, epic battles, and cinematic, immersive military storytelling and takes players on a journey from Earth to beyond our atmosphere.
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For a purchase today, check the live Steam listing in your own region: the 2023 report is historical, not a current price alert. When comparing prices, keep the title, region, currency, and date attached to the figure. A rise in a local-currency list price is different from a change in its US-dollar conversion, from a smaller sale discount, and from a change in what the game costs relative to local incomes.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Game is playable on October 23, 2026. Digital code will be available on September 25th to redeem.
- BONUS 2X OFFER — Purchase Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 at Amazon and receive 5 hours of Double XP.**
- PRE-ORDER BONUS — Pre-order and unlock the Hunter Killer Operator Skin and the Gilded Pearl Camo Pack.*
- GLOBE‑SPANNING CAMPAIGN — Fight across the Korean Peninsula, New York, Paris, and Mumbai in a high‑stakes narrative where global conflict escalates and survival depends on tactical precision.
- MULTIPLAYER BUILT ON CONTROL — Engage in grounded, precise combat where fluid movement, player choice, and refined mechanics give you greater control in every firefight.
Rank #3
- Call of Duty: Modern Wafare II PS5
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II is the sequel to 2019’s blockbuster Modern Warfare.
- Featuring the return of the iconic, team leader Captain John Price, the fearless John "Soap" MacTavish, the seasoned Sergeant Kyle "Gaz” Garrick, and the lone wolf himself, fan favorite Simon “Ghost” Riley, players will witness what makes Task Force 141 the legendary squad it is today.
- Some features may require an internet connection and an online subscription
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
