PlayStation Plus and Xbox Live subscriptions added to consumer price index

Online game subscriptions like PlayStation Plus and Xbox Live will now be used to calculate the impact of inflation.

As spotted by Eurogamer, these schemes have been added into the UK Government’s consumer price index (CPI), the list of goods and services used to measure inflation.

PlayStation Plus and Xbox Live aren’t the only new additions to the CPI – music streaming services such as Spotify are also being included, as are headphones. Other additions include craft beer, e-cigarettes, protein powder, melons and sweet potatoes.

"With the decrease in the popularity of traditional media, music streaming services – such as Spotify – are being included for the first time, as are online console computer games subscriptions," a statement from the Office of National Statistics said.

"In addition, headphones, which many people now buy for use with games consoles or as an upgrade to the free pairs that come with smart phones, are being added to the basket of goods. Alongside this, mobile phone accessories – such as chargers and covers – are also being added."