Game Bonuses: Comparing Diablo 4's Approach with Casino Strategies

In 2023, we all got the long-awaited Diablo 4 from Blizzard Entertainment. Saying it was a success is an understatement, especially with the extended in-game bonuses. Gamers could get it by pre-ordering the game and various editions or participating in events.

The fanbase was divided: some accused the company of enrichment, while others saw it as a way to support developers and get some bonuses for themselves. Let's take a closer look at the situation and compare it with other bonuses, including those from casinos. They have more in common than it seems, so let's start.

Diablo 4's Unique Stance on In-Game Features

With the pre-order, fans received exciting items, including those for other company games - previous Diablo and World of Warcraft: Wings of Inarius editions. Additionally, customers received Hell's Armor and accelerated access to the Seasonal Battle Pass.

The cash bonuses, or rather their removal, were the cause of heated debate. Blizzard's CEO calmed them down: "We want to create a level playing field for everyone, regardless of the money spent." Most people supported him, except for those who liked to buy things.

A Comparative Look at In-Game Bonuses in Other Games

Let's see what other creators offer and how successful their ideas are.

Overwatch Bonuses – A Positive Impact

The Overwatch loot box system lets you purchase cosmetic items for your characters and this is an excellent example of how in-game bonuses increase players’ engagement. These items include new costumes, emotes, exclamations, and more. It doesn’t give any advantages to the game, so it does not create unfairness but please the eye. Who doesn't want to make a character more unique? We found a few forum comments about this system:

• Player: "I love loot boxes because they are a way to show my commitment to the game."
• Critic: "This is a good example of how microtransactions can be used in gameplay without breaking the balance."

Star Wars Battlefront II Bonuses – A Controversial Case

The first-person shooter developed by EA DICE and published by Electronic Arts was released in November 2017 and was a great success in sales. However, the game soon became the object of criticism due to its loot box system. The items included:

• Star cards with abilities and characteristics for better effectiveness in combat.
• Star pilots to help in battles.

You could buy them both for real money and the in-game currency you receive during the game. However, you must spend significant funds to access the most powerful items.

The public criticism on the system was so massive that Electronic Arts reacted immediately. In December 2017, the EA announced paid loot boxes removal. Now, you can get items only for achievements in the game, and they do not provide advantages; they only stylise.

Casino Deposit Bonuses – A Parallel Strategy

Now, let's move on to gambling prizes because, unlike the gaming industry, no one gives up goodies here for some reason. They use standard reinforcement principles to encourage to participate more actively. But there are also differences. First of all, you need to deposit to get a casino bonus. Deposit deals are the most common. For example, users who are looking for 200% deposit bonuses on WithCasinoBonus should satisfy the minimum deposit requirements to get the offer. Operators also set limited terms of use - time, available games, and wagering.

Why is this principle typical for casinos? The fact is that gamblers crave to win cash. They do not compete with other users, so bonuses simply increase their chances of success without interfering with others.

Here are the most popular rewards of gambling platforms:

• Welcome Package. You sign up and fund your game account to get 200% or more on top.
• Loyalty Program. Each bet brings points that move you to the next level. The higher, the better the rewards.
• Referral Bonus. You send an invitation link and receive a certain amount for each registration on your merit.
• Promo Codes. Casino partners regularly publish codes that hide cash, free spins, tournament tickets, etc.

That’s not all, so look for details on the official websites. The main thing is to choose a licensed operator.

Strategic Analysis

Game developers can learn from casinos to make games more attractive and engaging. For example:

1. Sign-up bonuses with new items or currency.
2. Achievement ones after completing a specific mission or action.
3. Prizes for repeated visits when players come back after a long pause.

We see Diablo 4 giving a set of armour or weapons or other in-game rewards for a better start. This way, equality is maintained because all newcomers receive a reward. But players are pleased and want to join the community, spending the first minutes of the game more vividly than without bonuses.