Players of WoW Classic fear that an in-game shop is coming. But it is not. However, there is a bundle that allows you to show something off.
The Burning Crusade expansion is coming soon to World of Warcraft Classic. However, there was already criticism and concern beforehand, as items were found in the data mining that hinted at an in-game shop. Initial graphics seemed to make it clear that this was indeed the case. But Blizzard gives the all-clear. There is no in-game shop in the traditional sense – only a kind of “Collector’s Edition” and the announced character boost.
What was the problem? Many players are concerned that their “classic experience” will be diluted further as Blizzard slowly transfers content from systems like the in-game shop to Classic. For many players, an in-game shop is closely linked to the idea of the decline of WoW. Especially these images from the data mining caused a stir:
What the developers say: We at MeinMMO asked developers Holly Longdale (Lead Producer) and Brian Birmingham (Lead Software Engineer) about the topic and received some interesting responses:
These are two bundles that players have asked for. We wanted to provide a boost so that players can jump right in and then something extra to celebrate the big launch of Burning Crusade. (…)
This is really more of a Collector’s Edition, as we did for the original release of World of Warcraft, as an extra option. As a way to say: I am especially interested, I want something extra, and I want to show that in the game.
A detailed version of the interview will be released on Friday, May 7 at 10:00 AM.
What items can you buy there? Basically, there are two things that WoW players can soon purchase additionally in WoW Classic. The first is the character boost to level 58. This is intended to help players who want to start directly with Burning Crusade alongside their friends or simply do not have the time to level a character that far. However, only one boost can be purchased per account.
In addition, there is the “Deluxe Edition.” This is basically a kind of Collector’s Edition that comes with some bonuses. So far, the following have been confirmed:
- Additional game time
- A mount in the form of a phase runner
- The Path of Illidan: You leave demonic fire in your wake.
- “Dark Portal” Hearthstone: A Hearthstone that creates a Dark Portal around you before you disappear.
The items are likely familiar to some players, as they are items that were previously available through the trading card game. Since the trading card game no longer exists, some of these items are now being made available through a new bundle.
Note that you do not have to purchase a game to play Burning Crusade Classic. An active WoW subscription is sufficient to play Burning Crusade Classic.
Is an in-game shop coming? As of now, no. Even though the bundle contains several items, such as toys and a mount, it should rather be seen as a Collector’s Edition. A proper shop, as modern WoW has, with pets, mounts, and toys for direct purchase, is not planned at least for now.
Whether WoW Classic and Burning Crusade Classic will remain true to this line remains to be seen in the coming years, as more expansions are re-released.
