Overwatch 2 users are wondering whether a certain feature of Blizzard’s store monetization is unlawful in various countries, including Australia. Since the commencement of the game’s Halloween promotion, there has been a considerable surge in criticism of Overwatch 2’s free-to-play monetization. The outpouring of rage has spawned fresh lines of criticism, with many accusing Blizzard of boosting cosmetics costs too high. Overwatch 2 gamers may have a valid argument about one of Blizzard’s actions.
In Overwatch 2, Blizzard has developed a rather simple monetization mechanism. Except for the Battle Pass in Overwatch 2, everything in the game has a cost in premium Overwatch Coin money. While some stuff is only available during special events, the majority of it may be bought outside of the Overwatch 2 shop. The shop itself is designated for featured Overwatch 2 skins and content packages, the majority of which are brand new.
The latest Overwatch 2 skin and package releases are the target of criticism. It’s particularly Blizzard’s discounts on them. According to a widely upvoted Reddit post by a user called Nirxx, “in certain nations things cannot be marked off from a price that hasn’t been sold at for enough time.” In other words, Blizzard discounting a product from a price that was never provided is deemed deceptive in several nations, which may result in compelled compliance or prosecution.
The concept is that a discount on a product that has never been provided before isn’t really a deal. The discount is merely being utilized to represent a lower price, deceiving clients about the true worth of their purchase. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) gives an example of deceptive pricing statements as offering a product “at a ‘sale’ price that is not genuinely a temporary sale price.” It particularly addresses a product that is advertised as “$275 NOW $149” and “has never been sold at that higher price.”
The brand-new Witch Kiriko Bundle is now available in Overwatch 2 for 2,600 Overwatch Coins, a 29% savings from its “regular” price of 3,700. A Witch Kiriko Legendary Skin, a Black Cat Epic Weapon Charm, a Celestial Epic Name Card, a Witch Epic Player Icon, and a Clean Sweep Rare Highlight Intro are all included in the deal. The material is completely fresh new and not found elsewhere in the shop, nor are the things sold separately.
Blizzard’s argument would be that their pricing is consistent across the board. For example, a Legendary skin would cost 1,900 Overwatch Coins. The cost of an Epic Weapon Charm is 700 coins. Player Icons and Name Cards aren’t technically for sale; thus, Blizzard may charge whatever it wants for them. But the point is that Blizzard likely feels $3,700 is a reasonable, explainable full price – and would be happy to fight it in court. It’s uncertain if this would be considered legally manipulative in Australia or not. However, this is unlikely to relieve dissatisfaction among the Overwatch 2 community.
Overwatch 2 is currently available on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
