In yet more Diablo 4 live service drama, developer Blizzard has been accused of «malicious design» by fans for the apparent shocking ease with which the game parts players from their hard-earned money, whether they intended it or not.
28.07.2023 - 09:38 / pushsquare.com
Reaping the live service whirlwind, Blizzard is in yet more hot water with Diablo 4 players after it was realised the popular action RPGs Battle Pass only pays out 666 Platinum upon completion, in keeping with the title's hellish marketing. This is not enough to purchase the next Season's Battle Pass or any cosmetic item, with the cheapest costing 800 Platinum (thanks, IGN), which is pretty wild when you stop to consider.
Blizzard's move breaks with long-held (at least, in terms of the relatively recent phenomenon) live service norms; in games like Fortnite and Call of Duty, players hardcore enough to complete a Battle Pass are normally rewarded with enough premium currency to grant them access to the next. This is just sound business sense, as ideally, you want your super users busily engaged with your game, not calling you out on Twitter and in forums.
The Battle Pass, which runs for $10 USD (or your local equivalent), was already the course of some controversy, with players claiming the game's maliciously designed UI was resulting in unintended purchases. But we stand atop the shoulders of giants; Diablo 4's self-inflicted season of discontent really began on 18th July, when the developer decided to nerf its player base's hard-won builds into the ground.
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Tough day at the office
What do you think is going on with Blizzard's live service plan? Hoard you Platinum and get yourself something nice next time in the comments section below.
Khayl Adam is the second best video game journalist Australia has ever produced, and his ambitions of world domination have (thus far) been curbed by the twin siren songs of strategy games and CRPGs. He has always felt an affinity for the noble dachshund, the best kind of dog.
Blizzard are doing everything in their power right now to show people how NOT to support a game after release. I did buy Diablo 4, but I haven’t yet played it and with the way things are going, I don’t think I’m going to bother for the time being at all.
The patch that nerfed everyone was like 7 days ago. Not «weeks back.» I know we move faster than ever nowadays but holy hell, y'all. Get some perspective. Or facts.
@Bionic-Spencer You really showed 'em!
I'm about 200 hours in and haven't felt the need to spend any real money.
@Bionic-Spencer Blizz has your money already, so I doubt they really care whether you play or not.
Yup, bought the premium edition that included. The battle Pass. And it's lackluster and a big disappointment. I'm. Pretty much some with it TBH… What a let down
Removed — trolling
Dear Microsoft,
please finish the purchase of Activision Blizzard and keep them to yourselves.
Sincerely yours, PS Community
@MFTWrecks My bad, have updated. Ease up on the rest,
In yet more Diablo 4 live service drama, developer Blizzard has been accused of «malicious design» by fans for the apparent shocking ease with which the game parts players from their hard-earned money, whether they intended it or not.
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