Anyone who needs arcane dust in Hearthstone can now buy it directly in China – as a “little bonus” card packs will then be included.
China is currently trying to massively restrict gambling and steer it into clear, government-desired paths. For many game operators, including MMOs, this has led to several restrictions. For example, Hearthstone, Overwatch, and Heroes of the Storm (among many others) had to disclose the exact probabilities of their loot boxes and card packs.
Another law ensures that game manufacturers can no longer offer such “loot boxes” directly for purchase. However, Hearthstone earns all its money directly through the sale of card packs. A solution was needed.
Blizzard is not foolish and is now earning money differently. In China, you can now only buy arcane dust in the Hearthstone shop, which is used to craft cards.
Blizzard circumvents anti-gambling law in Hearthstone
However, the prices are so absurdly high that no one would think of spending money on it. Because 78 arcane dust costs about as much as buying 60 card packs here!
But there’s a trick to it. Those who buy arcane dust in the shop get “gifted” the same amount of card packs in addition. Thus, the card packs are considered a bonus and do not fall under the corresponding law.
This approach may already be familiar to Blizzard fans, as Overwatch also pursued a similar strategy and simply offered credits for direct purchase.
What do you think of this obvious circumvention of the law? A clever move by Blizzard and a clear loophole in the law? Or a shady step to continue selling packs?
