In a new article, the author discusses the lack of farmable cosmetic armor or weapon skins in the popular game Diablo 4. They express frustration at the fact that expensive sets are available in the shop each season but cannot be obtained through gameplay. The author highlights the appeal of these sets but questions the justification of spending $20-35 on them. However, Stellar Blade, a new game by SHIFT UP, has taken a different approach to cosmetics.
The author praises Stellar Blade for resisting the temptation to have a separate cash shop for cosmetics. They mention that games like Eve often have outfits and cosmetics priced in the $15-25 range, catering to players who enjoy different styles and preferences. The author acknowledges that while microtransactions for cosmetics were once considered acceptable as they do not affect gameplay, they now believe that cosmetics do impact the overall game experience.
The author emphasizes the importance of hunting for cosmetics as an objective within the game. They point out that Stellar Blade offers players the opportunity to find around 70 outfits and variants through various means such as hidden items, quests, and collectibles. The author compares this aspect to collecting suits in Spider-Man games, highlighting the significance of cosmetics as a major part of the game.
The article brings attention to games like Destiny 2, which offer both earned sets through gameplay and sets in the Eververse store that can be purchased. The author notes that while some sets can be earned through grinding, others are locked behind a paywall. They argue that games need to strike a balance between offering cosmetics through gameplay and through microtransactions to maintain the integrity of the game’s experience.
In contrast, the author criticizes Diablo for its lack of post-launch cosmetics despite promises of in-game finds being on par with the store. They highlight that since the introduction of seasons, Diablo has failed to deliver on this promise. The author commends games like Stellar Blade for understanding the importance of a satisfying cosmetic chase within the game and urges other developers to follow suit.
In conclusion, the author urges readers to follow them on social media, check out their novels, and reflects on the significance of cosmetics in gaming. They stress the importance of finding the right balance between offering cosmetics through gameplay and microtransactions to enhance the overall game experience. Games like Stellar Blade serve as an example of how to approach cosmetics in a way that enriches the game rather than detracting from it.
