Fans of the hack-and-slash action are eagerly waiting for the release of Diablo 4 and what the game can actually do. Here’s a summary of what we know so far.
What does Blizzard say about Diablo 4? They are still tight-lipped about a possible Diablo 4. They didn’t want to reveal any details during Blizzcon 2018.
Officially, “Diablo 4” has not been announced yet. But that does not stop fans from looking forward to it. The official statement from Blizzard so far is that they have multiple teams working on several Diablo projects.
This is why fans want Diablo 4: The latest installment of the series, Diablo 3, is celebrating its 7th birthday this year. Players are hoping for a fresh breeze. A new branch of the franchise that brings something new. Players hope that the new part will be darker, just like the older Diablos.
We will show you what is known so far about the release and other aspects of “Diablo 4”.
1. Problems in Development and Fear of Announcement?
A major insider report on Kotaku revealed that Blizzard is reportedly working on Diablo 4 under the project name “Fenris”. At least that’s what anonymous sources, who are former and current employees of Blizzard, are saying.
Diablo is said to have undergone several directional changes in development. That could indicate problems.
An insider said that the shadow of the canceled Blizzard title “Titan” looms over the Diablo project. Blizzard had hinted at and talked about the MMORPG Titan several times since 2008 but had to cancel the project in 2014 because “it simply wasn’t fun.”
They are afraid of raising too many expectations from fans with an announcement of Diablo 4 that they cannot meet later. A former Blizzard employee told Kotaku:
The Diablo team is very paranoid when it comes to announcing things. They could get caught in a spiral. They don’t want to show the game until they have a trailer or demo.
Blizzard reportedly does not announce Diablo 4 due to Titan
Due to these unofficial insider reports, it is now believed that “Diablo 4” is not yet in a state that they want to share with fans. Reportedly, Diablo 4 has already had 2 leads with different visions for the game.
2. Diablo 4 Will Likely Be Dark Again
The insider reports also reveal what Diablo 4 is supposedly going to offer. (via Kotaku)
If these leaks are correct, some fans should be pleased. Because Diablo 4 should finally be dark and creepy again.
The motto of the game is likely to be “Embrace the darkness.” A step in the direction that fans wish for. Less bright, more hell.
The criticism of the comic-style of Diablo 3 seems to have been heard by the developers. It is said that Diablo 4 is going to be gruesome and dark. What appeared too friendly and reminiscent of comics in Diablo 3 is supposed to be out.
3. More MMO Elements Planned for Diablo 4?
Another pillar in D4 is supposed to be the social component. This also comes from the insider report from Kotaku.
They are inspired by the social features of Destiny and call it “Light MMO Elements.” One of the developers was frequently asked if there would be something like “Strikes” in the new Diablo. In other words, well-designed dungeons that are very story-focused.
The developer said: “What if we still had a core Diablo game, but a bunch of players are on the map doing other cool stuff?”
The social component will likely play a larger role in the new Diablo.
4. These Jobs Blizzard Offers for Diablo
Players keep noticing job postings where Blizzard is looking for people for “unannounced Diablo projects.” Can we already infer what the new Diablo might be?
In the Art and Animation jobs, they are looking for applicants who like it dark, gothic, and macabre. They could then work on weapons or an armor set, boss monsters, or landscapes.
If one wishes, this can also imply that this Diablo project will finally be dark and evil again. Skeptics say that all this is a matter of interpretation and does not have to mean anything.
5. There is a strong user interest on Google
Interesting are the data visible from Google. Trends allow you to see the search interest of users.
The keyword “Diablo 4” is searched repeatedly. Fans are thirsty for information about a new part of the Diablo series, even though it hasn’t even been officially announced.
In the following graphic, you can see the search interest over the past 12 months:
The peak of Google interest was in early November 2018. At that time, BlizzCon was taking place, and players were particularly interested in any news about Diablo 4.
Those who do not want to wait so long for Diablo 4 may consider this alternative instead:
This interest in Diablo 4 can also be observed at MeinMMO. Our article with alternatives to D4 has already received over 350,000 views and is read daily by many of you.
6. The release of Diablo 4 is probably not in 2019
Fans should not expect a timely release. In a quarterly report, they talked about the future for the current year 2019. Gamers shouldn’t expect much.
They expect a financially lower performance from Blizzard in 2019, it is said. This year, Blizzard has “no major release planned.”
Therefore, it is clear that the release of Diablo 4 would be earliest in 2020. Former and current Blizzard employees also mentioned this in an interview.
Those who do not want to wait so long for Diablo 4 may consider this alternative instead:
