In a year with an unprecedented number of triple-A titles, Blizzard Entertainment’s Diablo 3 may be the most anticipated and important video game of 2011. Building atop a franchise with more than 18.5 million sales, the newest Diablo game will continue the tale of Tristram and its 15-year-old legacy.
However, it's not all roses for Diablo fans, as developer Blizzard has recently joined the bandwagon of games developers willing to punish their customers in the name of security. Following in the steps of Ubisoft and Electronic Arts, the executives at Blizzard Entertainment have made several troubling decisions: The single-player game will require a constant Internet connection in order to prevent piracy, player modifications are prohibited, and rare virtual items will be purchasable with real money!
Digitally Managed Games
Diablo 3 Removes Player Freedom in Favor of Developer Security
Trend Themes
1. Constant Internet Connection - Exploring innovative ways to ensure security and prevent piracy through requiring a constant internet connection for single-player games.
2. Prohibition of Player Modifications - Taking measures to maintain control and security by prohibiting player modifications in video games.
3. Virtual Items for Real Money - Creating opportunities for monetization by allowing players to purchase rare virtual items with real money.
Industry Implications
1. Video Game Development - Exploring disruptive innovations in video game development to enhance security and prevent piracy while balancing player freedom.
2. Software Security - Developing innovative solutions to ensure software security and protect digital assets within the gaming industry.
3. Virtual Economy - Capitalizing on the potential of virtual economies by introducing the sale of rare virtual items for real money.