Diablo 4 will have cosmetic microtransactions

Diablo 4 lead designer Joe Shely talked about how monetization in the game might work

It looks like Diablo IV will feature cosmetic microtransactions. That’s according to lead designer Joe Shely, in a discussion about monetisation in the upcoming action RPG.

Twitch streamer Quin69 spoke with Shely at BlizzCon 2019 during a hands-on look at Diablo IV. The streamer asks whether players will just buy a base game, or if microtransactions or a subscription will feature. Shely replies: “Diablo IV will be available as a base game, and […] we’re going to have expansions. You also will be able to acquire cosmetics in the game.”

Quin69 follows up, asking “so, MTX? Is that going to be through some sort of shop?” to which Shely replies, “It’s very early […] but yes.” So, while it’s not clear just yet what form these cosmetic microtransactions might take, it looks like they’re confirmed to feature in Diablo IV in some shape or another. Check out the video below (via Skill Up on Twitter).

Following a point by the streamer about how a “MTX monetization  scheme” can help keep content coming to a game, Shely also explains that “it’s also an opportunity to have more options available than you would otherwise.”

Previously, however, Shely did confirm that while Blizzard “will sell a base game, and expansions,” he could “also confirm that we will not sell Power.” So, it looks pretty certain that any monetization will only apply to cosmetics for the game.

In the meantime, if you’re excited to find out more ahead of the Diablo IV release date – which sadly for Diablo fans Blizzard has said isn’t “soon – not even Blizzard soon” – check out PCGamesN’s hands-on look at Diablo IV from BlizzCon 2019.