Dota 2 beta patch reveals microtransactions

The latest patch for Dota 2 gives a closer look of what we can expect from the game's microtransactions.

16

We've seen some indication of microtransactions in Dota 2 since the launch of the beta, and it only makes sense for the genre. But with the latest patch, we're getting a closer look at just what's on the microtransaction docket.

A Dota 2 player going by Cyborgmatt (and reported by PC Gamer) dug through the recent files to find announcers, taunts, couriers, and cosmetic hero items. New couriers include a sheep, war yack, and giant badger, among others. The just-for-show hero items range from masks and beards to weapons and armor.

The most interesting bit might come from the "Souls," which can be equipped for special benefits like better drop rates or removing a player from the low priority punishment queue. This all makes it seem very much like the Team Fortress 2 model, with cosmetic items for sale.

Dota 2's beta is still ongoing, but release plans haven't been set yet. Project lead Erik Johnson recently commented that the company is "still working on" a business model for the game. And being Valve and all, any of these items are subject to change before release.

Editor-In-Chief
Filed Under
From The Chatty
  • reply
    March 22, 2012 10:30 AM

    Steve Watts posted a new article, Dota 2 beta patch reveals microtransactions.

    The latest patch for Dota 2 gives a closer look of what we can expect from the game's microtransactions.

    • reply
      March 22, 2012 10:52 AM

      no. oh no. oh my god.

      • reply
        March 22, 2012 10:53 AM

        "capabilities": {
        
        "can_craft_mark": true,
        "can_be_restored": true,
        "strange_parts": true
        }}}/

        FUCK.

        • reply
          March 22, 2012 10:57 AM

          heh, might not mean anything though as they've found some other lingering TF2 attributes that clearly won't make it into dota 2 ("damage boost", etc)

      • reply
        March 22, 2012 11:04 AM

        It's all cosmetic shit and drops. For the most part I don't see the TF2 slobs moving over just because of this. The characters are so small that I don't think buying cosmetics for your heroes is going to be an impressive thing. Unless you really want the Heavy announcing games or Juggernaut to have his own personal themed courier.

        • reply
          March 22, 2012 11:26 AM

          in TF2 you normally don't even see your character and cosmetic items are still pretty popular

        • reply
          March 22, 2012 11:33 AM

          People buy fucktons of skins for LoL so people will do it for DOTA2

      • reply
        March 22, 2012 11:05 AM

        How is this surprising to you? They're not creating this game out of the goodness of their hearts!

    • reply
      March 22, 2012 10:59 AM

      Custom announcements sound cool

      • reply
        March 22, 2012 1:04 PM

        i'm taking out UT voice guy ASAP. oh god imma pay up for that mtx SO FAST.

    • reply
      March 22, 2012 11:05 AM

      id like a new omni knight skin, hes my most played hero

    • reply
      March 22, 2012 11:29 AM

      the best announcer pack with be death prophet:

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kcrx8e4wkM

    • reply
      March 22, 2012 11:44 AM

      Are more invites going out or is the Beta closed now?

      • reply
        March 22, 2012 11:46 AM

        A lot of people who got friend invites got 2 new invites yesterday. More coming.

    • reply
      March 22, 2012 11:48 AM

      So does this basically confirm that DOTA2 will be F2P?

    • reply
      March 22, 2012 12:30 PM

      Need FusRoDah soundpack for Beastmaster, thanks.

    • reply
      March 23, 2012 8:33 AM

      I really wish they'd just charge for the game and leave out the F2P stuff. And if I see pubbies sitting back at the pool while they craft metal for their special appearance items, well... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pklq_ShnbA

Hello, Meet Lola