Diablo 4remains tentatively planned for release in 2023, but fans of theDiablofranchise are increasingly curious regarding certain design decisions that Blizzard has yet to address about the game. Specifically, the heavy monetization ofDiablo Immortalhas fans wondering whetherDiablo 4will be similarly built around microtransactions. Blizzard has committed to optional cosmetics and full expansions but hasn’t been specific. A new survey, however, may reveal details aboutDiablo 4that Blizzard has yet to address directly.
The survey in question was shared on Reddit by an account that was quickly deleted. The survey is in German and of unspecified origin, though it is assumedly fromBlizzardor a partner. If the survey is fake, Blizzard has not said it is. The survey asks the surveyed to choose one of three versions ofDiablo 4that they’d purchase. Each version has different pricing, as well as different content included within. These options reveal the possibility ofDiablo 4including a variety of different monetized content.
RELATED:Diablo 4 Could Have the Same Problem as Diablo Immortal
The biggest revelation is that Blizzard is at the very least considering offering abattle pass inDiablo 4. The survey refers to a battle pass that grants access to “premium rewards for playing.” There’s also a clarification that the battle pass will only have cosmetics available as rewards. While it isn’t altogether shocking thatDiablo 4could have a battle pass, it’s still definitive evidence of Blizzard planning for the new game to have robust live service-caliber support post-launch.
In addition to the battle pass, the other style of monetization forDiablo 4implied from the survey is apremium currency. It’s referred to as Platinum and is described as an in-game currency used to purchase cosmetics. It, too, is said to be for cosmetics only. This is a less surprising confirmation, given the prevalence of premium currencies in online games with microtransactions anymore.
The listing of a battle pass and a premium currency implies big monetized systems built on top ofDiablo 4even at launch. But there are also simpler examples of monetized content in the survey, too. There’s an armor skin, a mount and mount armor, and an ornament for the character’s back. There’s also an early access window listed as a potential bonus for a more expensive bundle.
There are bound to be fans of theDiablofranchise disappointed to see how heavily monetizedDiablo 4could be when it launches. It’s not as extreme asDiablo Immortal, but it’ll be a core aspect of the game. This is a very common modern style of monetization anymore, typically built around very basic progression systems like earning XP and completing challenges. Whether that’s somethingDiablofans are interested in remains to be seen, but at least they have an idea of what to expect now.
Diablo 4releases in 2023 on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
