Word about the Blizzard's plans to add microtransactions into World of Warcraft surfaced after players discovered the inclusion of certain experience boosting spells on the game's Public Test Realm (PTR).
Following reports that Blizzard may add microtransactions for World of Warcraft, Blizzard has since confirmed its plans to do exactly that, with items it plans to include in the game's Asian region at the outset.
Writing on the game's Battle.net game forum (via VG247.), community manager Micah Whipple, who goes by Bashiok, stated that the company is currently "pretty early in the exploration process" of introducing microtransactions, and that the "benefits of an in-game store are pretty clear."
“We think everyone would appreciate the convenience of being able to make such purchases without having to leave the game, and ultimately that’s our long-term goal for the system, though there’s quite a bit of work involved in retrofitting those existing items into the new system,” wrote Whipple.
“First, we’ll be testing the in-game store with some new kinds of items we’re looking into introducing (in Asian regions, at the outset) based on player feedback: specifically, an experience buff to assist with the leveling process, as well as an alternate way to acquire Lesser Charms of Good Fortune.
“We’ve had a lot of requests from players in different regions for convenience-oriented items such as these, and as with other new ideas we’ve introduced as WoW has evolved—including Pet Store pets, mounts, and more—your feedback plays a hugely important part in determining what we add to the game.”
Whipple went on to state that it's still "too early in the process" for the company to make any determinations about the extent to which they intend to include microtransactions, however players will be able to take an early look at the in-game store once it's implemented on the PTR.
