While the Pet Store FAQ lists plans for even more exclusive pets down the line, Blizzard made it especially clear that the items they’re selling are purely cosmetic in nature, and nobody will be able to earn an unfair advantage in the game by simply opening their wallets. Still, one could argue that World of Warcraft players are already paying Blizzard to create new content for them, and introducing for-pay items could create a conflict of interest; from here on out, Blizzard will have to decide whether or not to charge for each and every new vanity pet they make.
After years of dipping their toes into the microtransaction pool, Blizzard has finally begun charging World of Warcraft subscribers real money for in-game items — specifically, vanity pets.
Two exclusive pets were added to the Blizzard Store yesterday: Lil’ K.T., modeled after Naxxramas raid boss (and all-around snazzy dresser) Kel’Thuzad; and a tiny Pandaren Monk, which Warcraft III (and April Fools) fans should recognize immediately. They’re both priced at an arguably steep $10 apiece, though half of the proceeds from the Pandaren Monk will go to the Make-a-Wish foundation through December 31.
While the Pet Store FAQ lists plans for even more exclusive pets down the line, Blizzard made it especially clear that the items they’re selling are purely cosmetic in nature, and nobody will be able to earn an unfair advantage in the game by simply opening their wallets. Still, one could argue that World of Warcraft players are already paying Blizzard to create new content for them, and introducing for-pay items could create a conflict of interest; from here on out, Blizzard will have to decide whether or not to charge for each and every new vanity pet they make.
