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Blizzard Entertainment's latest World of Warcraft expansion, titled "The War Within," has sparked a significant debate among its player base. For the first time in the game's history, the more expensive versions of the expansion offer players earlier access to the content, a move that has not been universally well-received.
A New Twist in Game Access
Scheduled for release next year, the standard edition of the expansion is priced at $50 and includes the expansion itself, previous expansions, a currency for the cosmetic shop, and a boost to level 70, which is the current maximum level in the game. The Heroic edition, costing $70, offers additional perks like a mount, a pet, and more shop currency.
However, the controversy primarily surrounds the Epic edition, priced at $90. This edition not only includes 30 days of game time, a pet, and toys but also guarantees beta access and three days of early access to the new content.
Ion Hazzikostas, the game director, confirmed this new approach and mentioned that offering early access for sale is a trend seen across the industry. He emphasized the value of the base edition and the aim to make each offering compelling.
Despite these assurances, the response from the gaming community has been mixed, with some players expressing frustration and disappointment on platforms like Reddit. Critics argue that offering early access to a subscription-based game reflects excessive greed and disrupts the excitement of exploring new content simultaneously with others.
Hazzikostas addressed these concerns by clarifying that early access would be balanced to avoid giving a competitive edge to those who start early. He detailed that most end-game advancements wouldn't be available during this period, ensuring a level playing field upon the official launch.
This move by Blizzard is seen as a significant shift in how access to game content is structured, sparking a broader conversation about value, fairness, and player experience in the gaming industry.
