Blizzard exploring micro-transactions for World of Warcraft

Blizzard has confirmed that it is actively exploring in-game micro-transactions for its popular MMO, World of Warcraft.

The news comes after players discovered the Enduring Elixir of Wisdom on the game’s Public Test Realm (PTR). The item, which has not been added to live servers, grants players a 100 percent increase to all experience earned when killing monsters and completing quests.

A post on the game’s forums by Blizzard community manager Zarhym said the item is part of a larger experiment related to giving players in certain, unspecified regions the opportunity to purchase digital goods from within the game world.

“We are currently exploring the possibility of adding a way for players in certain regions to make purchases directly within the game. As part of this process, elements related to this will be appearing on the PTR. We’ll provide additional updates on our plans as development progresses.”

The company has previously made available a mixture of items through its Blizzard Store, including pets, mounts and an in-game Cinder Kitten, which saw all proceeds donated to help Hurricane Sandy victims.