14 DAY TRIAL // Blizzard Entertainment just launched the in-game shop for their hit massively multiplayer online role-playing game World of Warcraft.
Players are now able to purchase consumables, pets and mounts without having to alt-tab, using the integrated Shop icon in the menu bar.
"Just click the Shop icon on the menu bar once you've logged in to a character, and you'll be able to pick out a new friend to add to your collection and start your adventures together right away.
"By combining the best of cutting-edge goblin and gnomish technology, we've also made it possible for you to receive your new pal right in your inventory (or via mail if your inventory is full)," the official announcement stated.
Plans for the in-game store have been revealed on the community forums since July, with Blizzard planning to test microtransactions based on player demand for experience buffs and alternate ways to get a hold of certain items, as reported by Polygon.
To celebrate Winter Veil, the in-game holiday, Blizzard is offering a 50 percent discount on select mounts and pets in the Battle.net Shop, the offer also being available through the in-game store.
All of the items on the sale list are fully giftable and the offer ends January 2, 2014 at 7:59 AM GMT.
The Black Friday promotion for digital versions of World of Warcraft and StarCraft II titles has also been extended to January 2, 2014 7:59 AM GMT.
The next expansion for World of Warcraft, titled Warlord of Draenor, has also been officially confirmed for 2014.
The highlights are new player character models, level cap raised to 100, an instant upgrade to level 90 for instant adventure on Draenor, and the option for players to build their own garrison and gather NPC followers to send on resource gathering and other missions.