{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/656a381dff3911001256c7bf/69fbbb74669475c1077134eb?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Microtransactions, and other cruel gaming indignities","description":"<p>We're speculating on&nbsp;<a href=\"https://blizzardwatch.com/2026/04/30/wow-patch-12-0-7-release-date/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><em>WoW</em>&nbsp;patch 12.0.7</a>&nbsp;and beyond, now that the preview for said patch has been released. That leads us to a certain ominous island off the coast of Zul'Aman that we're not allowed to touch yet, plus all the other little details that lead us to guest host Phil Ulrich's favorite thing ever: Troll Raid.</p><p><br></p><p>But other than that, it's all cosmetics and microtransactions. There are gorgeous new, dyeable&nbsp;<em>WoW</em>&nbsp;crossover appearances in&nbsp;<em>Diablo 4</em>, treehouses for&nbsp;<em>WoW</em>&nbsp;Player Housing, and another of those gatchas we hate in&nbsp;<em>Hearthstone</em>, all for actual cash folding money. But at least we have the glorious Trading Post and all its free hats and mounts to keep us just the tiniest bit happy in this capitalist hellscape.</p><p><br></p><p>Speaking of hellscapes, The Cow Level is real and it is just as awful to find in&nbsp;<em>Diablo 4&nbsp;</em>as you probably expect.</p>","author_name":"Blizzard Watch"}