When the heroic edition came out all new accounts got it automatically, even if the code was from before then. For example my husbands account code came from a friends Collector’s Edition, and all of those were made pre-launch. But he got the heroic edition items because it was after the switch.
I wonder if it could be the same with HoT. Since they’ve effectively replaced the base game with the expansion version it might be that all existing account keys are now HoT codes, and that’s why you can’t find any digital copies of the base game on it’s own – all the retailers would have to do is change the description on their site.
It could very well be the case.
I know Amazon has the physical copies (how limited I don’t know) but I will try to use that.
I just found it a little surprising they won’t let anyone buy the Digital Base Game for a cheaper price to get them hyped into HoT which they may upgrade into.
Now new players have to buy the full package or find a physical copy. Its not horrible its just inconvenient and for some it could be more than they would be willing to spend to play a new game for a bit.
Regardless thanks for the information!