The latest
Diablo IV Quarterly Update seeks to reassure gamers about monetization plans
for Diablo IV. The lengthy post includes word from Kegan Clark, director of
product for the action/RPG sequel. explaining how its Cosmetics Shop and Season
Pass will not provide any gameplay advantages: "As we’ve discussed previously,
Diablo IV will be a full-price game with a Cosmetics Shop and Season Pass—none
of which provide any pay-for-power options. Our goal in designing our in-game
purchases is that we want to create beautiful things which add value to players’
experience of the game." Here's more:
The Season Pass has Free Tiers
and Premium Tiers. Throughout the pass players can earn a variety of rewards
for free, just by playing. At any point during the Season, players can purchase
the Premium Pass to unlock the ability to earn Premium rewards tiers containing
seasonally themed Cosmetics and Premium Currency.
The Season Pass awards cosmetics. Like the Shop, these don’t affect
gameplay. Additionally, certain cosmetic types are exclusive to the Season Pass.
The Season Pass awards Premium Currency. Players can spend this currency
on cosmetics offered in the shop.
The Season Pass awards free Season Boosts. Boosts accelerate players’
progress for the duration of the Season. For example, a Season Boost might
accelerate XP earned to make leveling multiple characters within a season
faster. Because they affect gameplay, Season Boosts are free rewards for all
players. We want to be clear that players can’t unlock Season Boosts more
quickly through purchases--there is no way to unlock more boosts, or boosts at a
faster pace, by spending money.
Players can purchase Tiers-but they won’t speed up getting Season Boosts.
Players can’t upgrade Season Boosts just by purchasing Tiers, because they’ll
also have to earn level milestones to apply them. All other Tier rewards can be
unlocked instantly by purchasing Tiers. In other words, there’s no way to
shortcut getting Season Boosts by buying Tiers; they must be earned.