Microtransactions Incoming For Diablo III?
by JR Cook - 9 years ago show comments
Arguably, one of the most heated debates among the community since the removal of the Auction House has been microtransactions. These conversations get legs for a few reasons. The Real Money Auction House (RMAH) provided a source of “renewable” and ongoing income for the game outside of box sales when a new expansion releases. While the company certainly isn’t hurting for money, players essentially equate that money with the means for their favorite game to continue to receive support. However, there is another, perhaps more fervent, side to this.
Players always want more. Not just more development and/or more content, but also more of what they already have. We have character slots that were expanded with the release of Reaper of Souls to where, if you purchased the Collector’s Edition, you actually received bonus slots on top of what was naturally being provided in the expansion. A few months pass and it’s not enough. With the release of Reaper and also the release of Patch 2.1, we received two additional stash tabs. Hoarders of elemental affinity gear and collectors of sets were pleased. However, a few weeks later and it’s not enough. Enter increased volume for the microtransactions debate.
Well, today, we have some news to report on the possibility of microtransactions being entertained and introduced by the developers. In both the Europe and Americas forums, identical blue posts went up, which you can read below (taken from Community Manager Nevalistis in the Americas forum for this post):
Development for patch 2.2.0 has been underway for some time and we’ll be launching the PTR shortly. We’ve got great quality of life changes and new content coming in our next patch, and we’ll have even more details to share in the near future.In the meantime, some new features may start to show up in data mined information for patch 2.2.0 that will not apply to all regions. Specifically, the following features will not apply to the Americas:
- A new currency called “Platinum”
- Timed experience boosts
- New cosmetic items including wings, non-combat pets, and character portraits
- References to stash space and character slot expansions
- A new UI interface that references the above information
While the above features will not apply to this region, players will still benefit from some of the quality of life perks tied to these additions, such as a streamlined UI for selecting cosmetic benefits like pets and Collector’s Edition wings.
We recognize that many players have expressed an interest in microtransactions being added to Diablo III. While we may explore this model in some regions, we have no immediate plans to implement such purchases anytime soon for the Americas region.
The important thing to note here is that both of these posts state that these features are NOT coming to the Americas or Europe region anytime soon. Well, we know there is one other location not mentioned – Asia. Speculation will abound, but it’s highly likely that these changes will first go live there as a test market and then make their way to the Americas or Europe regions if proven to be successful. I know many players that would exalt and cheer if that were to be the case, so keep your fingers crossed and stay tuned for further reports.
Something I would like to note on this – the same thing happened to World of Warcraft in the last couple years. Microtransactions were added to the game to boost leveling and what not in Asia but not other markets.
The reason for this is because of the differences in gaming culture. In Asia, especially South Korea, most PC gamers play in cyber cafes (PC Bangs). They pay for a certain amount of time and don’t actually own the game themselves. This type of system is very very common with games in Asia.
So just because it’s happening in Asia and would be successful there, it’s actually pretty rare it would also be successful in NA/Europe. So I honestly doubt we will see this system in place.
I will hope that america NEVER gets microtransactions added to diablo. If I wanted microtransactions in a hack’n’slash, I would go play Path of Exile. In my opinion, when a game switches over or turns on microtransactions, it means the game is dying and they are trying to soak up any last minute profits they can make.
It also means that the quality of the game is going into the toilet. Take a look at the quality of MMOs that we have on the market currently and compare the monthly subscription games versus the free to play with microtransaction games. Though there are a lot more of the free to play with microtransaction games out there, the monthly subscription ones are much better games to play.
I’ll agree that with cyber-cafes it makes sense, but I definitely don’t agree with them for home entertainment. Especially when they spam you in the face to buy their stuff every time you log in.
In no way is Diablo III dying. If they add microtransactions it is because it’s Blizzard we’re talking about.
And if you don’t like it, don’t spend money on it. It’s a choice, not mandatory.
Personally, I’m just going to delete all but one or two of my Characters every Season. Who am I kidding? I’m only in it for the Hardcore Seasonal gear. I may never play non-Seasonal again.
who in their right mind would like this? players been asking for this… doubtfull