VAT increase pushes up game prices in UK

Today's 2.5 percent UK VAT increase to 20 percent has, rather obviously, had a knock-on effect on retail prices - including those of games.

As MCV reports, the price of many games on sale at GAME for £39.99 yesterday has now jumped to £40.99.

In addition, the price of a PS3 Move Stater Pack has increased from £49.99 to £52.99.

Xbox 360 hardware SKUs at the chain, including the 250GB (now £203.99), 4GB (£152.99) and 250GB with Kinect (£305.99) have also been upped.

"We are working hard with our suppliers to minimise the impact of the VAT rise on product prices but from 4 January 2011, customers will see some increase in our in-store and online prices," an official spokesperson said.

"However every week, customers will also see that we have a wide range of special deals and promotions that offer a greater discount than the VAT rise and offer incredible value for our customers. These will continue in 2011 and we are confident that customers will see that we provide value and expertise that they can not find anywhere else."

Argos and Amazon have also raised the prices of their games in Britain.