Diablo 2 Resurrected Doesnt Feature Microtransactions

Of the announcements at Blizzconline's Opening Ceremony, Diablo 2 Resurrected was undoubtedly one of the biggest, offering fans a return to the classic ARPG game more than 20 years later. And while many longtime fans of the franchise are excited to pick the game back up, there are likely some concerns as far as how the game is monetized. Luckily, Blizzard has now confirmed that Diablo 2: Resurrected won't feature in-game microtransactions.

In a group interview following the Opening Ceremony, Diablo 2 Resurrected developers Matthew Cederquist and Robert Gallerini confirmed that the game will not feature microtransactions or an in-game shop. Throughout the interview, the developers reiterated that the goal with Diablo 2 Resurrected is to have as similar of an experience to the original as possible, even mechanically. That also means keeping it free and clear of monetization while playing.

With Diablo 3's Auction House being a controversial change when it first launched, and Diablo Immortal's monetization methods still being something of a question mark – and a contentious question mark at that – it's understandable that some fans may have been worried that Diablo 2 would feature some sort of outside DLC or cosmetic items, so the news should come as reassuring to many.

The game currently has a 2021 launch window and will release at $39.99. That's a seemingly fair price for what fans are getting, considering that it will also include Diablo 2's DLC expansion Lord of Destruction. While the game didn't come as a surprise for many, Diablo 2 Resurrection leaked a few weeks ago, it's still something that fans have been asking for for years, and it seems that their time has finally come.

For those wondering when they can get their hands on the game, there hasn't been a specific announcement yet, but the team is planning a series of "single-player focused" technical alphas, the first of which is "coming soon." However, neither an exact date for the first test nor the exact scope of the test has been pinned down quite yet. Hopefully, though, that test will come sooner rather than later.

With the game committed to authenticity, hardcore fans of the franchise are seemingly getting everything they could ask for out of the game, while new players get to experience an enhanced version for the first time. Knowing that Diablo 2 Resurrected doesn't feature microtransactions should help players breathe a sigh of relief, on top of all the other details about the remake.

Rumors of a remastered version of Diablo 2 were revived last month when developer Vicarious Visions was merged into Blizzard Entertainment. First reported by Bloomberg, a team from Vicarious Visions is reportedly working on Diablo 2: Resurrected. Blizzard has yet to officially announce the title, but during a recent investor call, it hinted that more remastered content is slated for release this year. BlizzConline is less than two weeks away, so the company may be planning to reveal the project then, though this is just speculation.

The timing would make sense. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Diablo series, and Diablo 2 has stood the test of time as a fan favorite. With upcoming mobile entry Diablo Immortal only generating modest hype and Diablo 4 likely years away, a Diablo 2 remaster would be a great way to keep fans engaged. But such an undertaking would present its own set of challenges. After last year's disastrous release of Warcraft 3: Reforged, scrutiny will be at an all-time high, and if Blizzard wants a Diablo 2 re-release to feel like it did in 2000, reproducing that experience will be no simple task.