I’ve listen to a few podcasts and read the forums lately about the idea of Blizzard doing these new micro-transactions. These pets have caused all kinds of praise and backlash. While I haven’t bought one simply cause of the price, I still lean on the side that it’s ok with the idea.
First, let me say I can understand why people are upset and I’ll list a few reasons for those who haven’t read these elsewhere. Some are upset that it takes the ability to RP (RolePlay) away or harder to do. It also begs the question is money greater then time played. I’ll go into that later. There is also the question of will these to lead to other micro-transactions? Will we be able to buy gold from Blizzard or even tier armor or that weapon you’ve been drooling after? While Blizzard has said no to those, they also said no to switching factions and races… that didn’t last. Some ask why would Blizzard do this, just to make more money?
Now to answer these (some are opinion while others are more or less facts). Pet’s do not make it harder or remove the aspect of RP, its the RP’ers choice to use pets if they wish too. These pets are no different then the Mini Diablo from the original collectors box. How does one RP that one? So I don’t believe this is even an arguable issue. Time or Money? Which is greater? Let’s face facts here, there are players that simply have no life or SO much free time that obtaining items is just a matter of exactly that, time. Other players play casually or on the verge of hardcore but have important things in life, spouse, children, job, family or an illness etc… So should these players suffer and not be able to obtain items because they can’t do a solid five hour raid? I don’t think so but that’s just me. Should a player who enjoys this game and has gotten themselves decently geared but not geared enough be unable to down the Lich King, after all they did buy the game with the idea that they could. I think they should. But do I agree that armor and weapons should be sold, no I don’t. But when it comes down to pets an small items like that or even mounts I don’t think that people should suffer and not be able to have something they really want if they can only get one way or the other. How is offering players for instance a Proto Drake for purchase any different then putting a loot card for the same thing in the Upper Deck card game?
As for Blizzard saying one thing and doing another, lets keep this in mind. This industry is moving and moving quickly. Blizzard is aware that there are competitors out there and they’ve managed to keep growing and keeping it’s momentum. Why? Because they change with the times and it’s surroundings. Aion has come out and WoW is running on 5 years old now and their other games on the horizon. So you need to offer players who’ve been playing their characters, the same characters, for five years something new and refreshing. If that means going from alliance to horde or vice versa then so be it. They are doing these maneuvers simple to stay on top and give you, the players, a refreshing product in between expansions.
I also personally think if they have those purchasable pets and you drop $10 real word cash your going to feel bad if you choose to leave for another game after dropping that money. Sort of like buyer remorse.
Well I think I’ve ranted enough on the subject. But I just hope the players who are hating on Blizzard for these moves rethink their stance as they are just doing these things to keep WoW number one.
Till next time,
Mike aka Valaar
