MMORPG Subscriptions Taxed In Europe

Thanks to GameSpot for posting an article noting that MMORPG subscriptions from players in many European countries now have 17.5 percent VAT added, implementing "an European union directive on sales of electronically delivered goods and services" which became effective on the 1st July, and was something we mentioned a few weeks back. The specific reminder came as a "..news item on Sony Online's official sites for EverQuest, PlanetSide, and Star Wars Galaxies", and it'll be interesting to see how forcefully other MMORPGs will enforce this rule.

Why should MMORPG's be exempt?

[stefanlasiewski]

Many Europeans pay VAT on things like Soda, clothing, cars, etc.

Why should MMORPGs be exempt?

If you want to get rid of the VAT, that's one thing, but why should MMORPGs be favored over non-MMORPGs?