Cosmetic microtransactions have become one of the main sources of income for free-to-play games. It’s considered far more ethical and above-board than pay-to-win systems. And it looks like the upcoming Diablo IV from Blizzard will feature cosmetic microtransactions. The catch? It’ll be a paid-for game.
In a recent hands-on look at Diablo IV, the lead designer Joe Shely confirmed that the game will feature cosmetic microtransactions. Similar to the sort you’ll find in titles like (Blizzard’s own) Overwatch, Fortnite, Paladins, Dauntless and even Call of Duty (in recent years). The difference is that many of these are actually free-to-play, and we’re sure that Diablo IV won’t launch as a free game.
Not today, Satan
“Diablo IV will be available as a base game … we’re going to have expansions,” Shely said during the stream. “You will also be able to acquire cosmetics in the game … It’s very early … but yes.”
As long as transactions remain completely based on vanity-purchases (aka, things that make your character look good), we don’t really mind them. The game will remain completely playable and you won’t have the upper hand because you have more real-world cash to spend.
According to Shely, Diablo IV will also feature regular updates with new content, (think seasons in Apex Legends and Fortnite perhaps) and expansions (like Diablo III: Reaper of Souls and Diablo II: Lord of Destruction). Hopefully, this one takes us back to the good old Diablo II mechanics. We don’t know when the game will launch yet, but here’s hoping for a (possibly unlikely) 2020 release.
Source: IGN