Good news, nerds! Buying digital copies of games from online services like Steam, Origin, and the Playstation Store will not be subjected to the new Goods and Services Tax (GST) – but if you buy physical game discs, you’re out of luck.
LowYat.net reports no change in pricing for Malaysian gamers who want to purchase their games (and DLCs) in digital format, but physical DVDs will likely carry with them the additional 6% GST surcharge.
Online transactions using credit or debit cards issued by Malaysian banks for purchasing digital copies of games online should also not carry a GST charge. However, third-party services like EClub, which sells Steam Wallet codes for those without credit cards, or are unwilling to have their credit card statements show online game purchases (spouses can be unforgiving towards Hearthstone binge-buying) now carry the extra 6% into the total price of their products:
Coupled with EClub’s own commission for Steam Wallet top-ups, the GST contributes to a total surcharge of RM14.48 for a RM100 Steam Wallet code.
Other than that, it seems the online world of Templar-stabbing, zombie-shotgunning, and Zerg-fragging for Malaysian gamers remains pretty much the same. Game on.
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