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Diablo 4 Survey Reveals Battle Pass, Microtransaction Plans
Diablo 4 remains tentatively planned for release in 2023, but fans of the Diablo franchise are increasingly curious regarding certain design decisions that Blizzard has yet to address about the game. Specifically, the heavy monetization of Diablo Immortal has fans wondering whether Diablo 4 will 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 about Diablo 4 that 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 from Blizzard or a partner. If the survey is fake, Blizzard has not said it is. The survey asks the surveyed to choose one of three versions of Diablo 4 that they'd purchase. Each version has different pricing, as well as different content included within. These options reveal the possibility of Diablo 4 including a variety of different monetized content.
The biggest revelation is that Blizzard is at the very least considering offering a battle pass in Diablo 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 that Diablo 4 could 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 for Diablo 4 implied from the survey is a premium 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 of Diablo 4 even 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 the Diablo franchise disappointed to see how heavily monetized Diablo 4 could be when it launches. It's not as extreme as Diablo 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 something Diablo fans are interested in remains to be seen, but at least they have an idea of what to expect now.
Diablo 4 releases in 2023 on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
