Monetization of Battlenet (article inside)

[emikochan]

Most dlc is usless crap anyway, don't buy it if it's so offensive. The option is always there, to buy or not to buy, don't take it away from the people that want that stuff.

Blizzard aren't going to charge for something you can live without.

Feel free to quote this if they ever do start selling essential stuff for extra, and i'll eat this hat hanging from my coatrack.

[Kimera757]

and what about out us, the ppl who buy pirated games. if we ever want to play dlc, we have to delete the crack file and in 90 % of the time reinstall the entire game. do u know how much pain in the ass that is?

Lamest post in the thread. If you're not paying for the game anyway, why should Blizzard care what you think?

[TheEconomist]

http://www.gamespot.com/pages/forums...g=topics;title

So, yeah, I knew about this but I didn't want to alarm people with something so obviously not going to happen. I don't know why TC wanted to do such a thing but since he has I guess I'll touch up some past comments:

Blizzard has already told us what exactly they're going to be charging for. Anything we're used to having for free, we will get for free. They've already confirmed this and repeated the same words many times. What the article is referring to is something quite different. They specifically say "as well as all the services Blizzard is offering" which means name/server/characteristic changes. Nothing more.

Relax people!

[ArcherofAiur]

Blizzard has already told us what exactly they're going to be charging for. Anything we're used to having for free, we will get for free. They've already confirmed this and repeated the same words many times.

Source?

[FrozenArbiter]

Most dlc is usless crap anyway, don't buy it if it's so offensive. The option is always there, to buy or not to buy, don't take it away from the people that want that stuff.

Blizzard aren't going to charge for something you can live without.

Feel free to quote this if they ever do start selling essential stuff for extra, and i'll eat this hat hanging from my coatrack.

Before you commit to eating any other articles of clothing, you might want to double check that sentence :P I do believe you have a typo in there lol

Lamest post in the thread. If you're not paying for the game anyway, why should Blizzard care what you think?

His post was obviously a joke, same as the contract killing post which Nicolas Bolas got all up in arms over.

Source?

Well, I can't remember where they've said it, but it does seem very familiar, and it is the same as their stated map-store policy.

Anyway, I'm FINE with microtransactions, if they want to sell maps and skins and all that, then fine. As long as they don't stop other people from making maps, then I don't care.

The only thing I wouldn't be fine with, is if we had to pay for things like LAN support. If they do that, I can honestly say that I will not buy the game simply out of protest. I really do not think this is the case, but I'm just throwing it out there as an example of what I don't think is fine.

I still think they should go the way of Pokersites, and host automated tournaments that you pay X$ to play in, with Y% of the money going to Blizzard and the rest going into the prize pool. Good way to make money and make people happy imo.

[ArcherofAiur]

Well, I can't remember where they've said it, but it does seem very familiar, and it is the same as their stated map-store policy.

To my knowledge the only thing theve said was an extremely vauge statement that Battle.net will be free to use to anyone who buys the game. What that entails well...

[FrozenArbiter]

Well, I have a memory of them saying that things that were free in SC/WC3 would be free in SC2 as well, and that their example of things you'd pay for is like, transferring an account between servers in WoW.

[ArcherofAiur]

Well, I have a memory of them saying that things that were free in SC/WC3 would be free in SC2 as well, and that their example of things you'd pay for is like, transferring an account between servers in WoW.

So new features are fair game. I could buy that.

What about maps? Do you think they would do a free "map of the month" program or are they going to package a bunch together and sell it as a map pack?

[mgcemir]

Lamest post in the thread. If you're not paying for the game anyway, why should Blizzard care what you think?

i am rubber and you are glue

[Gifted]

Source?

... Well, I can't remember where they've said it, but it does seem very familiar, and it is the same as their stated map-store policy. ...

Well, I have a memory of them saying that things that were free in SC/WC3 would be free in SC2 as well, and that their example of things you'd pay for is like, transferring an account between servers in WoW.

This is quoted in at least 4-5 interviews, with Rob Pardo, Chris Sigaty and Dustin Browder all.

FrozenArbiter's memory is working for him as I think those were the words of Rob Pardo specifically he's recollecting. I don't have the sources on me as I do not have the time to look them up, but I believe they are referenced in the Beta Link Repository.

In short, if it effects gameplay itself, it will not be paid for. The only thing announced as potential microtransactions at this time are:

• Maybe custom decals is speculated, and when approached, Blizzard has not denied the possibility.
• The confirmed information about premium maps. The referenced idea they had so far (in early scope which could have changed) is that it's maps with custom models and completely reworked interfaces. The comparison of Half-life to Counterstrike.
• When approached about custom avatars, they said a cryptic response that seemed to deny purchased avatars, but examining the line, it could be misunderstood.

That's what I remember overall from it. If it's going from their WoW microtransaction model... I think it'll be fine. I never purchased one of their microtransactions there though I completely understand why people would buy them.

If their maps are low cost, such as the cost of an iTunes song, then I think it'll be fine. I find that as a macro bargain for a micro cost as I honestly like the idea of supporting people who provide higher than average gaming experience, even if it's small change.

EDIT:

What about maps? Do you think they would do a free "map of the month" program or are they going to package a bunch together and sell it as a map pack?

From their interviews, it sounds like if the maps are as they have been.... no custom art or models, just a new map... then it would cost nothing additionally. If it has something like a custom song or custom art.. then it could be something they might charge for. This is based on the information they provided in their interviews that they explained was the intended model (which is subject to change)