I had a friend who paid $100 apiece for 2 "Collectors" versions of the Warhammer MMO 15 years ago. We were both in the beta. I knew it sucked. He had delusions of being a guild leader.

Remember that blizzard is microsoft

This is stupid, but that's an awful title. It's not $90 for early access.

Base edition ($50.00USD):
-the expansions
-a level 70 character
-500 "trader's tender"

Epic edition ($90.00 USD):
-the expansions
-a level 70 character
-1000 "trader's tender"
-a flying mount
-a transmorg/cosmetic set
-beta for the war within (does not save progress on the real servers)
-3 days early access to release of War within
-30 days of game time
-an in-game pet
-an in-game toy
-a hearthstone effect.

So it does cost $40 more for the bundle that contains those three days, but it also includes $15.00 worth of subscription-time, and a lot of other micro-transactions. Those microtransactions could be considered either completely worthless, or they could be considered to be worth more than $25.00 USD

Don’t pay for early access/pre-release.

AAA Studios treating game development like kickstarters.

I just can't help feeling that this is a tad overblown..

I'm going to buy the expansion and sure it would be nice to be able to play it as soon as possible but I don't see myself paying extra for that

I dont have a problem with people wanting to though.

But look, guys, you asked for this by saying you want us to pay staff better. We will, but first we need to increase some prices heavily because I only took this CEO job because of the juicy bonus and I'm definitely not giving that up. Would you? And don't forget the board we're so lucky to have who need their stipends and stock grants etc, lest they find other companies willing to bow to their demands. We wouldn't be who we are if we didn't keep paying the top dogs top dollar.

Don't worry... The YouTube content creators you watch and support will do it for you.