Both Diablo 3 Auction Houses are shutting down. Details below.
Originally Posted by Blue Tracker / Official Forums)
(When we initially designed and implemented the auction houses, the driving goal was to provide a convenient and secure system for trades. But as we've mentioned on different occasions, it became increasingly clear that despite the benefits of the AH system and the fact that many players around the world use it, it ultimately undermines Diablo's core game play: kill monsters to get cool loot. With that in mind, we want to let everyone know that we've decided to remove the gold and real-money auction house system from Diablo III.
We feel that this move along with the Loot 2.0 system being developed concurrently with Reaper of Souls™ will result in a much more rewarding game experience for our players.
We're working out the details of how the auction house system will be shut down, but we wanted to share the news as soon as we made the decision in order to give everyone as much advance notice as possible. Please note that the shutdown will occur on March 18, 2014. We will keep everyone informed as we work through this process.
Josh Mosqueira and I wanted to provide everyone with a little more information behind this decision, so please have a look at the video, and stay tuned to this site for further updates in the months ahead.
We feel that this move along with the Loot 2.0 system being developed concurrently with Reaper of Souls™ will result in a much more rewarding game experience for our players.
We're working out the details of how the auction house system will be shut down, but we wanted to share the news as soon as we made the decision in order to give everyone as much advance notice as possible. Please note that the shutdown will occur on March 18, 2014. We will keep everyone informed as we work through this process.
Josh Mosqueira and I wanted to provide everyone with a little more information behind this decision, so please have a look at the video, and stay tuned to this site for further updates in the months ahead.
Auction House Shutting Down FAQ
Originally Posted by Blue Tracker / Official Forums)
(Q. Why is the auction house system being removed from Diablo III?
The gold and real-money auction houses have provided a convenient and secure system for trading, but it's also become increasingly clear that despite the benefits they provide, they ultimately undermine Diablo’s core gameplay. A big part of Diablo is the thrill of battling demons and finding epic loot. While buying epic loot in the auction houses might be more convenient, it doesn't feel anywhere near as heroic as plowing through a pack of fearsome-looking monsters and having them drop that one awesome item that seems like it was made for your character.
Q. Will this change affect both the gold and real-money auction house?
Yes. We will be shutting down both the gold and the real-money auction houses.
Q. When will the gold and real-money auction houses be removed from the game?
The gold and real-money auction houses will be shut down on Tuesday, March 18, 2014.
Q. Are the gold and real-money auction houses shutting down at the same time?
Yes. The gold and real-money auction houses will be shut down at the same time.
Q. Are the gold and real-money auction houses being removed for all gameplay regions?
Yes. The gold and real-money auction houses are being removed for all gameplay regions.
Q. Why aren’t the auction houses being removed sooner?
Since the gold and real-money auction houses receive a regular amount of daily activity, we wanted to inform everyone of this upcoming change as soon as we made the decision and give as much advance notice as soon as possible. Also, removing the auction houses from the game is no small endeavor, and there are many technical and gameplay-related questions we still need to answer before this change is implemented.
Q. Are there any plans to add the gold and real-money auction houses back into the game in the future?
No. We have no plans at this time to add either the gold or real-money auction house back into the game after they are removed.
Q. How will the removal of the gold and real-money auction houses work from a technical perspective (for example: What will happen to posted auctions, items or currency in the Completed tab, Battle.net Balance, etc.)?
We’re still working out all the details regarding how the auction houses will be shut down. We know these details are important, and we want to ensure that this transition goes as smoothly for everyone. We will be keeping everyone informed as we work through this process.
Q. How will I be able to trade with other players once the gold and real-money auction houses are shut down?
Once the gold and real-money auction houses have been shut down, players will still be able to trade with one another using the in-game Trade Window.
Q. How will the removal of the gold and real-money auction house affects changes planned for itemization in Reaper of Souls, specifically “Loot 2.0”?
One of the main goals behind Loot 2.0, which is being developed concurrently with Reaper of Souls, is to make playing the game the most rewarding path to getting items. That goal has not changed with this decision, and in fact was one of the big inspirations behind the removal of the auction houses. We’re still moving forward with all the changes previously revealed as part of Loot 2.0, but we’re also looking at additional improvements we can make that will help ensure that the loot hunt and trading experience in Diablo III is as satisfying as possible.
The gold and real-money auction houses have provided a convenient and secure system for trading, but it's also become increasingly clear that despite the benefits they provide, they ultimately undermine Diablo’s core gameplay. A big part of Diablo is the thrill of battling demons and finding epic loot. While buying epic loot in the auction houses might be more convenient, it doesn't feel anywhere near as heroic as plowing through a pack of fearsome-looking monsters and having them drop that one awesome item that seems like it was made for your character.
Q. Will this change affect both the gold and real-money auction house?
Yes. We will be shutting down both the gold and the real-money auction houses.
Q. When will the gold and real-money auction houses be removed from the game?
The gold and real-money auction houses will be shut down on Tuesday, March 18, 2014.
Q. Are the gold and real-money auction houses shutting down at the same time?
Yes. The gold and real-money auction houses will be shut down at the same time.
Q. Are the gold and real-money auction houses being removed for all gameplay regions?
Yes. The gold and real-money auction houses are being removed for all gameplay regions.
Q. Why aren’t the auction houses being removed sooner?
Since the gold and real-money auction houses receive a regular amount of daily activity, we wanted to inform everyone of this upcoming change as soon as we made the decision and give as much advance notice as soon as possible. Also, removing the auction houses from the game is no small endeavor, and there are many technical and gameplay-related questions we still need to answer before this change is implemented.
Q. Are there any plans to add the gold and real-money auction houses back into the game in the future?
No. We have no plans at this time to add either the gold or real-money auction house back into the game after they are removed.
Q. How will the removal of the gold and real-money auction houses work from a technical perspective (for example: What will happen to posted auctions, items or currency in the Completed tab, Battle.net Balance, etc.)?
We’re still working out all the details regarding how the auction houses will be shut down. We know these details are important, and we want to ensure that this transition goes as smoothly for everyone. We will be keeping everyone informed as we work through this process.
Q. How will I be able to trade with other players once the gold and real-money auction houses are shut down?
Once the gold and real-money auction houses have been shut down, players will still be able to trade with one another using the in-game Trade Window.
Q. How will the removal of the gold and real-money auction house affects changes planned for itemization in Reaper of Souls, specifically “Loot 2.0”?
One of the main goals behind Loot 2.0, which is being developed concurrently with Reaper of Souls, is to make playing the game the most rewarding path to getting items. That goal has not changed with this decision, and in fact was one of the big inspirations behind the removal of the auction houses. We’re still moving forward with all the changes previously revealed as part of Loot 2.0, but we’re also looking at additional improvements we can make that will help ensure that the loot hunt and trading experience in Diablo III is as satisfying as possible.
The crowd that comments on the news is very different from the ones that post on the forums. In general, if you read news comments, it's basically the b.net crowd.
I, personally, don't give a shit if they remove the AH. I haven't used it for quite a while and I didn't plan on using it in the future. But I think without some way to facilitate trading that amounts to more than sitting in trade chat and competing with the chat bots.... that this is a myopic solution.
My biggest concern is that D2 was better-equipped to handle trading (better chat interface, named games, no need for battletags to join a game) than D3 currently is. That means, without some kind of improvement... trading in D3 is going to be worse than D2 and, likely, going to amount to forum use.
One thing I have always taken issue with is any "trading" solution that requires alt-tabbing. It's lazy, sloppy, and something that was appropos in 1998 but is completely unacceptable in 2013.
It has no bearing on how I play, but I can clearly see this as a major stumbling point. If someone chooses to trade an item it shouldn't take a feat of herculean strength to arrange a trade.
you mean, make an AH? =p
having the AH isnt bad. But also keeping the AH is bad, because then it would promote botting and gold farming and what not. So eventho its not a good decision to completely remove the whole thing, its 1 step forward and they can build upon that.
blizzard, i love you again
Absolutely stunned and amazed!
I would say that the genie was out of the bottle already, but given that this will no doubt coincide with the expansion launch, this might just work!! Even more excited about Reaper of Souls now!!
Only two problems I have is 1) Really hope the targeted drops are a lot better, and I mean a lot better, and 2) wish it was sooner.
http://diablo3.judgehype.com/screenshots/gamescom2013/conference/28.jpg
Its hard to trade and or sell awesome items when they are BoA.
Having said that the price of gems has more than quintupled in the last 24 hours.
The problem with the AH was it turned the game into one where you play for the slim chance to get a drop good enough not to use on your own character, but to sell on the AH. Every piece of gear I have is from the AH. Because the drops suck, period. Itemization has been trash since day one. Instead of playing the game to improve my toons and experience the thrill of getting that awesome legendary or set piece, I play, praying that I get something that might sell on the AH so I can buy that better piece. I have over 400+ hours in game and in that time the number of legendaries I have seen could be counted on my hands. I have NEVER seen a set piece drop. Hell, the only piece I have that wasnt bought off the AH is my damn Hellfire rings. Loot 2.0 will fix that.
Everything announced since Gamescon has proven that the Diablo team is listening to the true gamer base out there. They are owning up to their mistakes, and saying, " Hey, we tried different things, they didnt work, so we are going back to what did!"
To those complaining that it will drive people to use 3rd party sites, you do understand the new loot system is meant to restore item balance to the point where you shouldnt feel the need to go to them. And FYI, using those sites are a CHOICE you make.If you do and get your account hacked, or your credit card info stolen, or your bank emptied, thats on you.
I am glad to see the team returning to the roots that made the Diablo franchise one of the greatest franchises of all time.
/cheers
2) Need to now make all items drop more often, the drop rates of console likely are close to perfect.
3) No items should ever be BoA now, not Marquise, not Legendaries, not Mystic changes, nothing.
4) Legendary items need to never roll "random properties" as that will ruin the entire economy because nothing will have a steady pricepoint to base your find on. The only randomness on legendary items should be the values, and whether it rolls Str, Dex, Int (and other affixes such as "regenerates 1 mana per second" only if Int, changes to "Regenerates X Spirit per second" or "Hatred per second" if dex, etc. Also if the item has a class specific skill boost, then it could swap to another class as well; but never contradict the Primary stat).
If this doesn't happen, then the game will fail within 6 months after the AH is removed due to nobody knowing a proper price on anything.
5) Ensure that rares can be best in slot in terms of PURE damage/defensive stats, that means making legendary items slightly weaker in pure stats, but they have unique stats, stats that rares cannot get on certain slots, and more stats (by way of procs/special things) than rares. This keeps rares competitive and sought after for absolutely amazing ones.
6) Add in a Gambler, you can wager anywhere from 100k --> 100m to gamble an item, the more you gamble, the higher the chance it will be a legendary item.
7) Add in the ability to buy stuff for your banner and allow your banner to be seen on your character if you want it to be (or at least shown when you die, etc.). Make the things cost a lot of gold.
8) Add in a mode that you can gamble gold on killing monsters, if you pass the targetted time then items drop more and better depending on the amount of gold you put up.
9) Reduce the amount of gold you can find unless specifically geared for it.
The whole problem for me was that the AH was the tool you used to get the gear needed to play the game. Progression was just saving up gold(or buying it with money if you were so inclined) to buy enough gear so you could play on a tougher MP level.
Now you can play the game, get drops that let you player on higher MP levels, and get more loot faster, so you can play even higher levels. All self sustained.
What made the AH evil was its necessitiy to be successful in the game. The whole pay-to-win model that it imposed.
Good riddance I say.
It's nothing to do with itemization.
The problem is not that drops "suck" or that itemization is "trash".
The problem is that you're comparing your drops to the drops listed on the AH by all the millions of other players. And of course, the chance of you finding something better than what is listed by the bucketload is incredibly tiny.
But there is literally nothing that could be done to drop rates that would change this situation. It would just move the goalposts of what you considered trash. Even if every second drop was legendary, you'd be in the situation where every piece of gear you had was from the AH, because you could get perfect legendaries with maximums in key stats for 20,000 gold, whereas you'd never seen anything drop yourself with perfect stats.
By the way, I completely agree with you that this is a good move!! Just disagree with your analysis as to why it is a good move.
I play self found single player since release and like it that way (give me offline and I'd explode of joy)
Yet I can see that a safe trading envyronment would add to the experience for those players who likes it and I wouldn't have any problem with an AH which does not affect the game so much (like items drop ratio, just to make an example).
Unfortunately AH in D3 was also a great limiting factor when it came down to development and new features: every time Blizz thought to implement something they had to ask themselves "will this work well with the current AH system?".....most often the answer was no.
So BoA made its comeback.
Now they have more freedom in what they plan and this is a good thing in itself.
For all the guys who likes to trade I hope Blizz come up with a reliable trading system, just one that's not mandatory to play the game at its fullest.
To Maka and the other fellows who, alongside my humble self, since before release were sayng "this AH system will ruin the game!":
And again, the difference between D2 and D3 is not the trading methods, but the sheer undertuning of D2 because it was meant to be playable offline.
Also, the other major economy difference between D2 and D3 is the absence of a way of getting items out of the market, either through character death (for SC) or ladder (for D2). THAT is a fundamental problem.
And a lot of people played entirely self-found in D2? Especially all those with high-end runewords? Everyone traded (and duped, and hacked).
And again, it is much more possible to play self-found in D2 because of its tuning.
I understand your point, but that means AH needs additional fixes to prevent flipping and sniping. Removing it completely is basically recognizing that you're incompetent in game economy balancing (which Josh apparently is).
In this case, their communication was handled extremely poorly and someone should be hanged for that to make an example.
Because people act totally rationally. Right.
Of course they're not waging legal wars against them, since they're doing the same thing. However, if you remove the AH, they'll probably have to change the EULA accordingly and forbid selling game items and gold (although gold will be much less useful with such a model) for real money. And THEN they'll have to wage legal wars, exactly like they do with WOW gold selling sites.
Also, of course it was a necessity, because of how the game was tuned in the first place. In D2, you could play self-found because the game was undertuned. In D3, you have much more difficult modes (e.g. Inferno MP10). Also, in D2, you had ladders to periodically remove items from the economy, which you don't have in D3.
What we need, consequently, is a way to remove items from the economy, not remove the AH.
Josh is a big D2 fan on one hand and a total newbie in running a game with online economy on the other hand, and my guess he simply needs to take off the D2 rose tinted glasses. And since he is currently riding on a high horse as the claimed savior of D3 (as opposed to Jay Wilson) he may have been able to hoodwink the finance guys in Blizz HQ to do that.
Selling boxes is not enough in today's environment. You gotta have a source of recurrent revenue as well. Which means either RMAH or cash shop.
Problem is, while a cash shop with transmogs and cosmetic items will totally take care of the recurrent revenue part, it will not take care of user frustration in trade channels. Unless of course, the plan is to make ROS like the console version where legendaries are raining on you and you can beat the game because you sneezed on the monsters. Which would be even more stupid.