If you've ever played a game like "Clash of Clans" or "Candy Crush Saga," then you've dealt with microtransactions. These small purchases let users buy little things to make the game easier, from in-game currencies to cosmetic items. While these items have earned game developers millions of dollars, there are many players who are overtly critical of it. So, it's surprising to see Blizzard Entertainment experiment with microtransactions in the popular fantasy role-playing game "Diablo III."
Kotaku reported that the game's latest patch include a number of paid features, such as a new currency called 'Platinum,' timed experience boosts and a new UI interface that references "the above information." Wings, non-combat pets, character portraits and other new cosmetic items will also be available.
While this might excite some users, Blizzard added a note, stating it recognizes "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 anytime soon in the Americas region."
In one sense, it's nice to see Blizzard still experimenting with "Diablo III," a two-year-old game with a heavily involved fan base. It's likely that players will happily drop extra cash to make their Barbarian or Demon Hunter look cool. However, users shouldn't forget how Blizzard originally messed up the game with the real-money in-game auction house. That feature ended up twisting and messing up the game for thousands of players. Thankfully, Blizzard fixed the issues within a year of the game's release.
Blizzard has had success with microtransactions in the past. They recently implemented a number of cosmetic pets, mounts, and costumes into "World of Warcraft" that players could pay real money for. The popular card game "Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft" also relies on microtransactions. Blizzard has had time to figure out what consumers want out of their microtransactions.
