Blizzard faces criticism over World of Warcraft microtransactions
World of Warcraft players are accusing Blizzard of violating a previous commitment by selling race-themed housing decorations in the game's shop.
Blizzard Entertainment is under scrutiny from the World of Warcraft community following the release of new paid housing items. Players claim the move directly contradicts a promise made in November 2025, where the company pledged not to sell items tied to specific player races or character classes through its storefront.
The items in question, priced at $25 for the 'Haunted Greentide Manor' and $10 for a decoration bundle, utilize aesthetics that players associate with the Kul Tiran race. This move has prompted backlash as users highlight the discrepancy between the new releases and the company’s prior developer communications regarding store policies.
In the 2025 statement, Blizzard explicitly stated that items related to core character fantasies or significant established lore would not be sold for real money. The company has yet to issue a response addressing the concerns regarding this shift in monetization strategy.