Despite the anticipation surrounding Diablo 4's launch, many remained hesitant about the new action RPG following the negative reception of Diablo Immortal. The mobile game's extensive microtransactions, which were both costly and unrewarding, caused a significant portion of the franchise's community to abandon it. Additionally, some countries even banned the game due to its predatory practices. These issues were not the only controversies for Blizzard leading up to Diablo 4, as the studio faced backlash for the Shadowlands expansion for World of Warcraft and toxic workplace lawsuits. With this history, Diablo 4's in-game shop received heavy scrutiny, and Blizzard hoped to restore its reputation. Although the game initially received positive feedback after being revealed to the public, it ultimately did not provide the redemption that Blizzard was seeking.
Why Diablo 4 is not Redeeming Blizzard After Past Controversies
One of the major concerns surrounding Diablo 4 and Blizzard is the use of costly microtransactions. While these purchases are not pay-to-win, they can still be quite expensive with prices reaching up to $25 for a single cosmetic armor set or mount armor. Although these purchases are not necessary to unlock more content, the community's response to Diablo Immortal's monetization should have served as a lesson for Blizzard to avoid such practices in the future.
The discussion around in-game prices has become a hot topic among Diablo 4 players, with concerns being raised about the potential for even higher prices with the introduction of season passes and future updates. This could include the sale of skins for abilities that could be priced at $10 or more. Additionally, the in-game purchases present another issue with regards to the limited customization options available for cosmetic items. Diablo 4's Wardrobe only features nine color palettes, which may not be enough for players who want more options. While the free transmog system is a positive alternative, Blizzard's monetization practices continue to be a source of criticism in an otherwise excellent ARPG.
However, the second issue is much more concerning. Despite Blizzard's recent statement that there has never been a toxic workplace culture or discrimination against female-identifying employees, further internal investigations have shown otherwise. The company was actually affected by significant disruptions caused by work unions, with ABK workers unionizing for the first time just last year. This highlights that even if Diablo 4 is performing exceptionally well in many areas, it is still a product of a company that is resistant to change.
Blizzard's transparent approach to Diablo 4's development and their willingness to actively seek feedback from players is a positive first step. It is crucial that the studio continues to follow in the game's footsteps and take decisive action to address workplace issues. The first season of Diablo 4 will be a critical test for Blizzard's new live-service ARPG, and its success could help steer the company towards a brighter future.
Diablo 4 launches on June 6 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
