Blizzard has revealed how monetization works in Diablo 4 – including the new technology that adjusts the in-game shop to an individual player's taste. Though fans of the saga have largely enjoyed the gameplay of Diablo 4, many were apprehensive about its battle pass system and premium cosmetics, especially in the wake of Overwatch 2's somewhat controversial monetization system.
The in-game microtransactions shop in Diablo 4 will feature Platinum as its premium currency, allowing players to directly purchase cosmetics unique to each of the five classes introduced to the game thus far. According to Blizzard, it will frequently rotate its stock, but will also feature a battle pass system with Standard, Premium, and Accelerated options. The Diablo 4 Battle Pass will be purchasable solely through Platinum, and though players who are on the $24.99 Accelerated Battle Pass will get a twenty-level head start in earning their Platinum currency through premium levels, Rod Fergusson has clarified that it will not be enough to outright buy the next Battle Pass – as is the case with free-to-play titles such as Fortnite.
One feature of Diablo 4's in-game store that caught the community's attention has been the "intelligence" described in Blizzard's blog post about what to expect from Diablo 4 post-launch. Namely, the shop will gather information on an account's favorite class, as well as the aesthetic a person gravitates towards. Using this data, the store will accurately suggest possible premium purchases for the player as they explore the apocalyptic wastelands of Sanctuary, mowing down hordes of demons in a World Tier difficulty of their choice.
From a business standpoint, creating a dynamic in-game shop that caters to a player's taste is a genius idea, as it helps incentivize spending and increases a company's revenue from its product. However, from a consumer's standpoint, the Diablo 4 community is worried about how invasive and predatory the purchase suggestions will be, as Diablo Immortal infamously launched with aggressive microtransactions.
Though many players are sold on Diablo 4 as a game, the main source of apprehension remains in its price tag as a premium live service title. The openness of Blizzard Entertainment regarding its plans for Diablo 4, both in terms of expansions and the monetization that will support it for years to come, is to be commended. The franchise's popularity and the polished state of Diablo 4's gameplay are poised to establish the sequel as a financial and critical success. However, it ultimately remains to be seen how old-fashioned Diablo players adapt to the new normal.
Diablo 4 will be available on June 6 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Source: Blizzard
