Diablo 4 as Live-service Game; Seasons and Microtransactions in Detail
Blizzard has released new information on Diablo 4, outright calling it a live-service game. They info concerns microtransactions and seasons, within which players will be able to earn rewards.
We still haven't learned a solid release date Diablo IV. We only know that the new hack'n'slash from Blizzard is scheduled to be released in 2023 on PC, PS4, PS5, XOne and XSX/S. Gradually, however, we are getting more and more information about the game. Today, Blizzard issued an extensive announcement, which discusses seasons, microtransactions and cosmetic elements in detail, as well as - quite superficially - the planned post-release gameplay changes.
Seasons in Diablo 4
- There will be the return of seasons known for example from Diablo III and Diablo II: Resurrecred, but they are to be much richer in attractions, prepared by a large team of developers dedicated to them.
- The first season is set to start at the game's launch.
- After it ends, the seasonal characters will be able to continue playing in the "regular" mode, but with the start of the next season, a new hero will have to be created.
- Four seasons are planned to take place over the course of one year.
- "Each new season will offer new features and a series of quests introducing new challenges, secrets and opportunities to gain experience."
Source: Blizzard.
Microtransactions and cosmetic items in Diablo 4
- Season progress will be made through a season pass divided into levels - implicitly reminiscent of the combat pass from Diablo Immortal.
- It is to include rewards that can be earned for free, by just playing (cosmetic items, premium currency and buffs), as well as paid, requiring the purchase of a premium pass (ornaments and premium currency only).
- The latter can be spent on cosmetic items in the game's store. However, purchases are to be fully optional, which means that it should be possible to take advantage of all basic and seasonal features of the game without paying any fees.
- In addition, before buying a skin for a weapon or armor, it will be possible to check how it looks on a given character.
- Interestingly, many unique and legendary items are to be available throughtout the game world, without having to go to the store.
- Cosmetic items will be tied to character classes, which means that a skin purchased for a necromancer can be equipped by other necromancers, but not druids - the exception being seasonal items, which will look (almost) the same on characters of each class.
Source: Blizzard.
Kegan Clark, product director at Diablo IV, states that:
"When designing paid game items, we were keen to create beautiful things, providing a better gameplay experience. [...] Among the free rewards will be buffs for all players - they will make it easier and faster to gain experience with freshly created seasonal characters. While premium rewards will focus on aesthetics, offering valuable decorative items and premium currency. Many of the rewards will be tied to a seasonal theme so that players can show off their participation in a season."
We emphasize - players cannot unlock seasonal reinforcements faster through in-app purchases, spending actual money will not unlock more buffs or speed up their unlocking.
Source: Blizzard.
Source: Blizzard.
Gameplay in Diablo 4
- Blizzard intends to regularly refresh metagame in Diablo IV.
- Therefore, after the title's release, "legendary and unique items, master level boards, glyphs and other elements will be added to refresh the gameplay foundation and introduce new configuration options."
- The developers promise to listen to the players and prioritize features whose absence or malfunction is reported.
Source: Blizzard.
