14 DAY TRIAL // Blizzard confirms that it's going to add a wave of microtransactions for Diablo 3 in the Asian territory, so that players can spend real-world money on a new currency called platinum that can be used to buy timed experience boosts, new cosmetic items, as well as expansions for stash space or character slots. However, these mechanics won't be released right now in the Americas or Europe regions.
Diablo 3 has been around for quite some time now and the dungeon crawling role-playing experience from Blizzard still commands a loyal following, thanks to events like the seasons, not to mention major updates.
The next big patch, 2.2.0, was revealed to the world earlier this week and Blizzard mentioned, at the time, that it would bring new legendary gear, improvements to Nephalem Rifts, but also a fresh cosmetic interface through which players can select items like wings, pets, and more.
However, Blizzard now confirms on its official forums that it's also going to include in the Diablo 3 update 2.2.0 a few new elements designed for the Asian region of the game.
Microtransactions for cosmetic items and XP boosts are coming
More specifically, players in Asia will be able to buy a new currency type called platinum. It can be used to buy timed experience boosts, as well as cosmetic items like wings, non-combat pets, or character portraits.
Blizzard quickly emphasizes that these elements won't be added to Diablo 3 in regions like Americas or Europe, but some benefits, like the new cosmetic window, are a consequence of these other goals.
The studio also highlights that, right now, it has no plans involving microtransactions in Diablo 3 in regions outside Asia.
"We recognize that many players have expressed an interest in microtransactions being added to Diablo 3. While we may explore this model in some regions, we have no immediate plans to implement such purchases anytime soon for the Americas region," the studio adds.
As such, Diablo 3 owners shouldn't worry, at least for now, about having to buy cosmetic items in Diablo 3 with real-world money.