Recently Blizzard began offering a snazzy package for those who want beta access to Heroes of the Storm (HoTS) and a few in-game items at a reduced price. HoTS is Blizzard’s new MOBA; a game in the same vane as DOTA and League of Legends. And, mathematically, the Founder’s Pack it’s a good deal:
What you get:
- Heroes: Diablo, Raynor, and Tyrande
- Skins: Commander Lurkablo Diablo, Raynor, and Blood Elf Tyrande
- Mount: Golden Cyber Wolf
- 2,500 in-game gold (for buying more items)
- Immediate access to the Heroes of the Storm closed beta
- Total Cost: $39.99
Quick math:
- Heroes: $10 (Diablo) + $5 (Raynor) + $8.50 (Tyrande) = $23.50
- Skins: $10 +$7.50 + $10 = $27.50
- Total Value: $51
HoTS will be free to play when it eventually releases this year. In short: I paid for a free game. Some may think I’m crazy. Certainly the included heroes, skins and gold are valuable, but then again, I didn’t get to choose how to spend my $40. I likely would not have purchased Diablo or his extra skin, which is half of the money I spent. Call me crazy then.
No wait, I take that back!
Here’s the immeasurable delta: you can’t really put a value on beta access. I’m having a blast with HoTS and it gives our readers an opportunity to experience the game through someone at GWW.
Having now played the game for a few hours, I can say it’s well developed and doesn’t feel buggy at this point. I don’t know what will happen with records and experience levels once the game releases – it may all be wiped. It’s a gamble I’m willing to take and not something I’m expecting to happen. We’ve typically seen early access offered by developers without the pedigree of Blizzard who have a lot less to lose. Frankly, they need the funding and Blizzard does not. I don’t think Blizzard offered this package to help pay for their costs. Rather, they likely did it to raise awareness and mindshare to help draw attention away from other MOBAs.
Have you purchased this package? Do you participate in early access programs? Would you ever fund a free game? Let us know!