In preparation for the new season of Diablo 4, the writer expresses frustration over the lack of farmable cosmetic armor and weapon skins in the game. The writer laments the fact that these sets can only be obtained by purchasing them for $20-35, making it difficult to justify spending money on them. The writer introduces a new game, Stellar Blade, which has successfully resisted the temptation to include a cash shop for cosmetics, despite the potential for profit.
The writer discusses the importance of cosmetics in gaming and how it can enhance the overall experience for players. In Stellar Blade, there are around 70 outfits and variants that can be found through various in-game activities such as hidden quests and collectibles. The writer emphasizes the joy of hunting for cosmetics as an objective within the game and how it can add an enjoyable chase for players.
The writer acknowledges that while cosmetics may not affect gameplay directly, they still play a significant role in enhancing the overall gaming experience. The writer compares Stellar Blade to other games like Jedi Survivor and Sony’s Spider-Man games, where collecting suits and outfits is a major part of the gameplay experience. The writer argues that including cosmetics as part of the game rather than selling them in a separate store is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the game.
The writer highlights Destiny 2 as an example of a game that blends both earned and paid cosmetics, with some sets requiring grinding to earn while others can only be obtained by purchasing seasonal content. The writer criticizes Diablo for its lack of in-game cosmetics despite originally promising them to be on par with those in the store. The writer commends games like Stellar Blade and Spider-Man for getting the balance right in terms of including cosmetics in the game without compromising the overall experience.
In conclusion, the writer urges more games to follow the example set by Stellar Blade and other successful titles in integrating cosmetics into the gameplay experience rather than relying on cash shops. The writer emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between earning cosmetics in-game and offering them for purchase, as it can greatly enhance the overall enjoyment of the gaming experience. The writer encourages readers to follow them on various social media platforms and to check out their sci-fi novels.
