Diablo 4 takes place in an online world, many elements resemble an MMO. Therefore, the question of microtransactions was raised. In an interview, Lead Designer Joe Shely responded to this.
Will Diablo 4 have microtransactions? Lead Designer Joe Shely was asked at BlizzCon during a live stream with Twitch streamer Quin69 how Blizzard intends to monetize Diablo 4. He replied that the base game will be sold first, followed by expansions.
Additionally, he mentioned that there will be cosmetic items that players can purchase.
Cosmetics are coming
What exactly does Joe Shely say about microtransactions? He stated: “Diablo 4 will be available as a base game, and we will have expansions. Players can also purchase cosmetics in the game.”
Twitch streamer Quin69 then inquired again, asking, “MTX as well? Will that run through some shop?”
Joe Shely seemed a bit confused and replied cautiously: “It’s all still very early. But, yes.”
What does this mean? As it stands now, you can purchase cosmetic items in Diablo 4 for real money. However, Joe Shely did not reveal how the system works and what items they will actually be.
He did mention that the cosmetic items open up many more possibilities.
The dark atmosphere must be preserved
How are players reacting to this? The discussions are quite controversial. As long as the items remain cosmetic, most are okay with it. After all, the revenue allows Blizzard to continue developing Diablo 4 over a longer period.
0keybytouch writes on Reddit: “I think it’s good. If it takes a few people buying a burning mount for the Diablo 4 team to continue releasing interesting seasons and expansions, it doesn’t hurt me at all.”
Others are a bit more skeptical. The largest concern is that cosmetic items could negatively impact the dark atmosphere of Diablo 4. Most do not want to see players running around in colorful bunny costumes or wearing Santa hats in the game world, or fellow players having a Starcraft starship as a pet.
- Augustby explains on Reddit: “As long as the cosmetics do not affect the atmosphere, I am more than okay with it.”
- ssnapcity states: “The only concern I have is the feeling that the Diablo universe could be ruined. Instead of seeing players wearing the most powerful gear they deserve, we see guys walking around in “typically cool” cosmetic outfits they bought through MTX…”
What do you think? Is it okay for Diablo 4 to have cosmetic items? What should they look like in your opinion?
