As World of Warcraft approaches its 21st anniversary, the latest update is sparking some controversy. Developer Blizzard Entertainment recently confirmed that it will introduce a new virtual currency called "Hearthsteel" for the new housing system in its upcoming Midnight expansion.
This move immediately sparked concerns within the player community, who believed it could be adding a new microtransaction trap to a game that already requires a $15 monthly subscription fee.
Blizzard: To simplify the bulk purchasing process and provide financial protection
This currency was initially discovered by dataminers, and Blizzard has now confirmed its existence in an official statement. Blizzard explained that the purpose of introducing the new currency is to allow players to "buy multiple items at once" and to provide "financial protection" for both parties in a transaction.
Blizzard gave an example: "You might want a whole set of chairs to match the dining table, or to prepare multiple sets of cutlery for your invited guests, or even multiple candles. Using in-game currency will help make the process of acquiring these inexpensive items more efficient."
Supports purchases with Battle.net balance, but promises a smaller store size.
Regarding how to acquire it, Blizzard clarified that players will be able to purchase "Hearthsteel" using Battle.net balance (i.e., cash deposits) or WoW tokens (which can be exchanged for in-game gold).
To quell player concerns, Blizzard attempted to set boundaries. In a blog post, the official statement emphasized that "the Hearthsteel shop's item catalog will remain relatively small compared to items obtainable through gameplay."
The official statement further promised: "Household items related to the core fantasy of a player's race or class, or items that already exist in Azeroth, will not be sold in shops. Thematically important decorative items that players are familiar with and love will also not appear in shops."
Player communities are reacting negatively, questioning the game's future direction.
Despite Blizzard's attempts to appease the community, the player base is clearly unconvinced, with many expressing concern over the decision. One World of Warcraft Reddit user commented, "This isn't even about the currency itself. It's about a large, loyal player base that's been crying out for years, saying they didn't want the game to go this way, but it's here anyway."
External sources are linking Microsoft's 30% "accountable profit margin" to this.
It's hard for outsiders not to link World of Warcraft's new monetary policy with the profit-making directive recently issued by its parent company, Microsoft, to the Xbox division.
In October of this year, Bloomberg News reported that Microsoft executives implemented a "comprehensive target" of up to 30% profit margin for its gaming division, internally referred to as "accountability margins." This figure is significantly higher than the Xbox average of 10% to 20% over the past six years.
Under pressure from its parent company Microsoft to pursue higher profit targets, Blizzard Entertainment's decision to add new virtual currency to the still monthly-fee massively multiplayer online role-playing game to expand revenue seems to be one of the strategies it has to take.
