Diablo IV
Microtransactions in Diablo IV are summarized as...
The Open Beta could only be accessed by those Pre-Purchased the game for the first few days of the beta. Additionally the game could be accessed a couple days early by purchasing a more expensive version of the game.
There was previously available in 3 versions:
- The standard version
- A deluxe version, which includes early access as well as some cosmetic content and the first Season Pass.
- Ultimate version, which includes the deluxe version, more cosmetic rewards, and a extra premium battle pass.
The deluxe and ultimate version are no longer available for purchase.
In-game purchases are not made directly with real money. Instead they are purchased with a premium currency "Platinum" which can only be purchased in bundles which almost never match the price of store items. Bundles are sized at 500, 1000, 2800, 5700, 11500, or 18500 Platinum. These cost roughly 5 USD, 10 USD, 25 USD, 50 USD, 100 USD, or 150 USD each. Shop items come in at 700, 900, 1300, 1500, 2000, 2200, 2600, 2800, among more breakpoints. You will often be left over with a significant quantity of Platinum regardless of what bundle you purchase.
Character skins are priced significantly higher than skins in other games, which are already expensive. A high price point of $20 in equivalent premium currency is standard, but in this game $30 in Platinum is the norm. Is should be noted that character skins can not be used on every character, as they are limited by class. If you wish to own a skin for every class you will be spending well over $100. Purchasing all items in the store would cost multiple thousands of dollars.
Before the game came out the possibility of purchasing more bag space using premium currencies was mentioned, however this never made it into the game. You can however purchase more stash space by purchasing a premium edition of the DLC.
In addition to a price of entry and microtransactions the game also features a Season Pass (or battle pass). This includes a free track as well as a premium track. It also contains methods to purchase levels using premium currencies.
It should also be noted that the game starts at a very high price point of $70, which is significantly more expensive than other PC games from this category, which often come in at $50 or $60, or when they feature microtransactions to this extend they are often free.
The game released a premium DLC that provides extra content. This DLC too can be purchased in three difference versions:
- The standard version for roughly 40 USD
- A deluxe version, for an additional 20 USD over the standard version, granting access to a set of unique cosmetic items.
- Ultimate version, for an additional 50 USD over the standard version, granting access to yet more cosmetics, and 3000 Platinum premium currency.
