Blizzard and microtransactions – at least since the expensive Pay2Win in Diablo Immortal, two terms that nobody likes to see together in one sentence. After the publisher recently sent a survey on microtransactions in Overwatch 2 to selected players and shocked them with rich skin prices, a similar survey on Diablo 4 followed.
So many microtransactions you could expect in Diablo 4
A pricing survey was posted on the Diablo 4 subreddit, which appears to have been sent to a select few players. It shows possible prices for different editions of the game, which include pre-order bonuses and paid cosmetic items.
link to Reddit content
The prices fluctuate between 40 dollars (basic game without extras) and 150 dollars (game including various additional content). However, Blizzard has already emphasized in the Overwatch 2 survey that the prices listed are generated randomly for each user in order to better understand player preferences. You should therefore use these amounts with caution.
The content of the higher-priced editions should therefore also include cosmetic changes to your character’s armor. Multiple skins are shown and the description states that you will receive a total of five skins, one for each of the Diablo 4 classes. Also listed are back ornaments with an image of decorated angel wings, as well as armor for your mount.
You will probably be able to buy all these different types of skins in the in-game shop as well, since the survey also mentioned a premium currency called platinum
Finally come another Paid Battle Pass with cosmetic rewards and up to seven days early access to the finished game.
Nothing to worry about yet
If you’re worried that Diablo 4, like Immortal, will degenerate into Pay2Win hell: At least it doesn’t look like it at the moment.
Optional visual adjustments in a full-price game are an annoyance, but they are now present in almost every major title – Overwatch, which was released in 2016, had loot boxes with skins and other cosmetics on board from the start.
In the survey, Blizzard also explicitly points out that all cosmetic adjustments no influence on the game should have. This also coincides with a statement made by Diablo 4 developer Rod Fergusson last June:
link to Twitter content
To be clear, D4 is a full price game developed for PC/PS/Xbox. We aim to deliver an incredible wealth of content centered around optional cosmetic items and full story-driven expansions for years after launch.
The question of whether you can still look forward to Diablo 4 despite the Diablo Immortal scandal was clarified by Micha and Maurice with guest Kalle Koschinsky in the podcast.
link to Podcast Content
Lawsuit against Activision Blizzard
Activision Blizzard is currently facing a lawsuit alleging sexism and unequal treatment of female employees. If the grievances play a role in your purchase decision, we have summarized all the information on the sexism lawsuit in a detailed article for you. You can read our attitude and consequences to the processes in a leading article on the Blizzard scandal by GameStar editor-in-chief Heiko Klinge.
