The new real-money currency in World of Warcraft is coming. However, what the developers say does not reassure the players.
A few days ago, we reported that data mining of World of Warcraft Midnight found a new currency. With “Hearthsteel”, there was speculation that it could be a currency similar to those in mobile games. Such currencies are sold for real money and then used to buy goodies in the game. Some common intentions behind these currencies are often: to obscure the real cost of items and to encourage impulse purchases.
Now we know: Yes, a new real-money currency is indeed coming. But Blizzard is trying to reassure immediately.
What kind of currency is this? Already read out from the game data as “Hearthsteel”, the currency will carry the name “Heimtaler” in the German version. The currency works just as many players have suspected:
- The currency can be bought with real money. This can also be done “indirectly” through Battle.net balance and thus also the acquisition of the WoW token for gold.
- The currency will be used for the sale of a few selected housing items.
What does Blizzard say about it? After discussions in the community started, Blizzard published a long blog post just a few days later, which aims to bring some clarity and explain the philosophy behind the new currency. In summary, Blizzard writes:
- The vast majority of housing items can be earned in the game. Only a few should be offered for Heimtaler.
- Central items for the fantasy of a people or “thematically important decorations” will also not land in the shop.
- All items are to be sold individually, and no items will “disappear” from the shop.
- The costs should be clearly visible. The ratio of real money to Heimtaler should be intuitive and not misleading.
- Items should have prices that match the offered bundles of Heimtaler.
- Heimtaler should be exclusively for housing and not for the auction house, mounts, transmog, or pets.
Blizzard also explains why they saw the need for a new currency. The reason is that they need to enable a “more conscious, cautious process that provides both parties financial security” for transactions involving real money. This is sometimes an “inefficient, impractical and often tedious process when a player wants to buy multiple items.”
Community calls the post “embarrassing”
The introduction of the new real-money currency is being heatedly discussed on all social media. The vast majority of voices are negative, although only a few are surprised. Some comments from the German WoW forum:
- “No real-money junk for housing. The way the [blog post] tries to present this as positive is also extremely embarrassing.” – Dullahan
- “A mobile-game currency has no place in a subscription game. They build trust once, show a great housing concept that has surprised many positively and then throw all the gained reputation in the trash.” – Blades
- “No. Just no. I find everything about it distasteful. These psychological tricks right out of the arcade, mobile nonsense… I could puke.” – Thrannir
What do you think about this new currency that is coming to World of Warcraft? Do you just shrug your shoulders and let your anticipation for housing not be dampened? Or is this a clear knockout criterion for you and significantly diminishes your joy for the home?
Those who like to spend money in WoW will soon have a new opportunity – because the 78-euro mount could return.
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