Blizzard has attempted to pre-empt the inevitable controversy regarding new features from Diablo 3’s upcoming patch 2.2.0 that might begin to show up in data-mined information.
Though the patch will contain a new in-game currency, timed experience boosts, and references to stash space and character slot expansions, this is all apparently designed for soon to be implemented microtransactions in Asia, and is therefore not applicable to the Western audience.
“While the above features will not apply to this (Americas and European) region,” Blizzard writes, “players will still benefit from some of the quality of life perks tied to these additions, such as a streamlined UI for selecting cosmetic benefits like pets and Collector’s Edition wings.”
Blizzard goes on to claim that “many players have expressed an interest in microtransactions” for Diablo 3, and that it is exploring options, but has no intention of implementing them in the European (or American) region anytime soon.
Despite that promise, it wouldn’t be much a surprise to see such a model appear in the near future. The death of the Diablo 3 auction house last year leaves a gap that Activision is surely anxious to fill.
Patch 2.2.0 is just around the corner, and adds three new legendary armour sets and new map layouts for Adventure mode.
