Diablo 4’s arrival on Steam is official as it joins Overwatch 2 on Valve’s bespoke digital games distribution platform. But, unlike Overwatch 2, which transitioned to a free-to-play model, had granted players the liberty to dive straight into the action without any purchase, thanks to its zero-cost model on Steam, Diablo 4 finds itself with a different predicament.
Those who have already treaded the tumultuous landscapes and fought with Lilith in Diablo 4 on other platforms might be looking to carry their journey forward on Steam. The silver lining here is the cross-save functionality the game offers. All you need to do is link the Steam version to your Battle.net account to continue your progress without any hitches. However, this convenience does come with a catch. Players will have to shell out funds to buy the Steam version of the latest Diablo game even if they have already ventured deep into the game on a different platform. But, for those who invested in the Ultimate Edition of the game, the financial burden gets somewhat alleviated. Once unlocked, all extras linked to this edition are permanently linked to your account, saving you from repurchasing them.
Now, the decision to re-purchase a game on a new platform isn’t unique to Diablo 4. This is standard practice. It’s akin to buying a game for PlayStation when you already have it on Xbox. Games released on platforms like the Epic Games Store, uPlay, EA Launcher, and more, when transitioning to Steam, almost always require a repurchase.
But why would someone want to purchase the game on Steam if they already have it on another platform? While there are workarounds, like adding BattleNET as a non-steam game, it doesn’t offer the same smooth experience. By buying the native Steam version, players will benefit from features like shader caches. Additionally, it skips the slowdown and hassle of the BNET launcher, making for a much more streamlined gaming experience. Though some may argue that setting up a “non-steam game” is not particularly challenging and doesn’t warrant an additional purchase, the convenience of direct access through Steam might be enticing for many.
Moreover, for many, the reason to repurchase isn’t always about convenience. Some do it to support developers and as a way to showcase their interest in Steam over other platforms, or even simply because they have the financial flexibility to do so.
Introducing Diablo 4 to Steam is also seen as a strategy to attract new players. With its recent updates pushing it in the right direction, offers a lot for newcomers. It provides a casual-friendly environment, letting players delve into the world of ARPG even if they haven’t experienced a Diablo game before. Though Diablo 4 had its issues at launch, especially in the endgame, the hours of gameplay it offers across different classes and builds make it worth the dive. However, one key drawback is its online-only mode, which can be a deterrent for those looking to play offline.
While the decision to repurchase Diablo 4 on Steam after already owning it on another platform might seem redundant, it’s essential to remember that this practice isn’t uncommon in the gaming world. For many, the convenience, features, and the sheer love for the game might make the purchase worthwhile. And for those who are taken aback by this move, perhaps it’s time to view it as a norm rather than an exception.
