Microsoft are attempting to ‘mitigate’ the premium Australian consumers pay for video games by adding value in other ways, according to Xbox Live chief Major Nelson.

Opening up PAX Australia 2016 with a keynote and question-and-answer session, Nelson – real name Larry Hryb – was asked by an audience member why Australian gamers are being charged significantly more than their North American counterparts for games – not only in stores, but digitally, as well.

Hryb responded by admitting that this ‘Australia tax’ is “brutal”, adding:

“This is a very complicated area; I am in no way an expert on the laws and governances in all of the different countries. But what we’re trying to do is find ways that we can make [Xbox] as affordable as possible for as many people as possible. “Certainly there are cost savings with digital, from an operator’s standpoint, and we’re also trying to add value in other ways. You’ve seen this in our last couple of first-party releases where you get to play Gears of War 4 ten days before it comes out; things like that. “So we’re trying to find the right ways to add value; we’re trying to figure out how to mitigate the issue until we can solve that larger, long-term problem of why are games so goddamn expensive in Australia.”

Power Up Gaming is live in attendance at PAX Australia 2016, and we will continue to bring you coverage throughout the event.