The latest update to Diablo III, Blizzard's famous dungeon crawling hack and slash title, may reintroduce an old enemy. No, not Diablo, but something far more insidious: microtransactions.
There Have Been A LOT Of Games Of Evolve Played Already
At one point during its life, Diablo III featured a Real Money Auction House. It functioned precisely as it sounds: you pay hard earned bills for an in-game item. This not only broke the game (as with, say, New York real estate, the game became the purview of the rich and powerful and no one else) but fractured the community. With the launch of Reaper of Souls, the game's first expansion, Blizzard removed the RMAH and everything has been better because of it.
So we are a little annoyed that Blizzard is dipping its toes back into the waters. However, it is doubtful it will be coming to our shores...yet. In a recent forum post, mod Nevalistis wrote: "Development for patch 2.2.0 has been underway for some time and we'll be launching the PTR shortly. We've got great quality of life changes and new content coming in our next patch, and we'll have even more details to share in the near future."
Don't Feel Like Clashing With Your Clan, Soon You'll Be Able To Opt Out
Adding later that "the following changes will NOT apply to the Americas" (or Europe):
A new currency called "Platinum"
Timed experience boosts
New cosmetic items including wings, non-combat pets, and character portraits
References to stash space and character slot expansions
A new UI interface that references the above information
"We recognize that many players have expressed an interest in microtransactions being added to Diablo III. While we may explore this model in some regions, we have no immediate plans to implement such purchases or the aforementioned features anytime soon for the Americas region." Nevalistis added.
The belief here, found in the comments, is that due to Diablo III launching somewhat quietly in China, that that country will be the testing ground for microtransactions. Now, it is doubtful these microtransactions will be of a 'pay-to-win' variety, such as weapons and armor and will be more cosmetic in their design. Costumes, transmogrifications (changing one item to look like another item) and pets. Simple things like additional stash space or bags that do not give a 'speed pass' to those who can pay.
But somebody must be buying what Blizzard is selling. Hearthstone has been majorly successful, despite being a free to play game, and Heroes of the Storm will be massive when that reaches release.
The Public Test Realm for patch 2.2.0 will be up soon. Read up on some of the great changes - such as three new Legendary sets - HERE.
