Expensive Price Tag: Diablo 4 Mount Bundle Priced at $65
Introducing the awe-inspiring Diablo 4 mount bundle in Patch 122, though its high cost might make players think twice
Article Key Points
Diablo 4 has introduced a new mount bundle that can only be purchased with 7,800 Platinum, which costs a total of $65, adding to existing microtransaction controversies.
The introduction of the Battle Pass format and expensive cosmetic items has resulted in a decrease in the number of players participating in Diablo 4's first season. However, recent announcements and enhancements have sparked enthusiasm among players for the game's upcoming content.
Although microtransactions in Diablo 4 are solely restricted to cosmetic items, the exorbitant prices have made certain players feel financially excluded, particularly when taking into account the game's initial cost of $70 and the added expense of the battle pass.
In Patch 1.2.2, Diablo 4 introduced a new bundle of mounts. However, this bundle is only available for purchase with 7,800 Platinum, totaling $65. Even before the game launched, players expressed concerns about the high costs of microtransactions and the extensive in-game shop. Blizzard has greatly expanded its catalog during Diablo 4's Season of the Malignant, which further fueled the controversy. Additionally, many fans weren't satisfied with the Battle Pass format, which may have contributed to a significant decrease in player count during the game's first season. Nevertheless, the announcement of Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred at BlizzCon 2023, along with the successful improvements made in the Season of Blood, has generated newfound excitement for the game's future.
Upon logging into their Patch 1.2.2 Battle.net account, players were met with a new mount bundle that came with a hefty price tag comparable to that of a high-budget game. According to Wowhead's Twitter account, the Father's Judgment Collection in Diablo 4 offers players a stylish mount adorned in plate armor evocative of the Cathedral of Light. However, acquiring this mount comes with a condition – players must also purchase 7,800 Platinum, effectively costing them $75. Platinum serves as Diablo 4's premium currency, and the amount received from this bundle would typically be sufficient to acquire around four premium cosmetics.
Fortunately, microtransactions in Diablo 4 are limited exclusively to cosmetic items, ensuring that players who wish to focus on gameplay are not hindered by financial constraints. Nevertheless, it is understandable that some members of the community feel hesitant about investing in additional cosmetics, considering the base game already bears a $70 price tag and a Battle Pass costing between $10 and $25 for each Season. Evidently, this current structure proves lucrative for Blizzard, allowing the company to generate substantial profits and ultimately justify the creation of multiple expansion packs for Diablo 4. It is worth noting that this revenue-driven approach was a significant factor in the cancellation and repurposing of the second expansion for Diablo 3, which gave rise to the Rise of the Necromancer expansion instead.
While the impact of Vessel of Hatred on Diablo 4 is yet to be determined, the team is excellently positioned to continually provide engaging content for years to come. For players of Diablo 4 who desire to add a touch of glamour or have plans to purchase a Platinum pack regardless, the Father's Judgment Collection is currently accessible through the in-game shop. However, it is hoped that a separate bundle solely including the mount will be introduced in the near future.
Diablo 4
Diablo 4, developed by Blizzard Entertainment, is an action RPG that marks the fourth installment in the franchise. Players have the option to choose from five playable classes as they venture into an expansive open world known as Sanctuary. The main objective is to defeat Lilith, while also engaging in quests, leveling up, and obtaining superior loot.
The game is available on various platforms including PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S. It was released on June 6, 2023, and has received a Metascore rating of 88.
Editor's P/S
As an enthusiastic fan of the Diablo series, I have mixed feelings about the expensive price tag of the Diablo 4 mount bundle priced at $65. On the one hand, I understand that microtransactions are a necessary evil in today's gaming industry, and that Blizzard needs to make money in order to continue supporting the game. On the other hand, I feel like the price of this bundle is excessive, and that it will put many players off from purchasing it.
I am also concerned about the precedent that this sets for future microtransactions in Diablo 4. If Blizzard continues to release expensive cosmetic items, it could alienate players who are not willing or able to spend that much money on the game. I would much prefer it if Blizzard focused on releasing more affordable cosmetic items, as well as content that is actually meaningful to the gameplay experience.
Overall, I think the Diablo 4 mount bundle is a missed opportunity. It is too expensive, and it does not offer enough value for money. I hope that Blizzard will reconsider its pricing strategy in the future, and that it will focus on releasing more affordable and meaningful content for players.
