Some players can now already play the alpha of Diablo 2: Resurrected. There are even mods already for the upcoming remake. However, Blizzard has apparently now temporarily prohibited two modders from continuing – even with legal action.
What’s going on? According to the U.S. site Kotaku, two modders received a cease and desist for the mods they made for the current alpha of Diablo 2: Resurrected (via Kotaku.com). There, they spoke with both the modders and received a response from Blizzard. Kotaku is considered a reliable source.
Blizzard has forbidden them to continue developing their mods. In one case, a private investigator reportedly came by to deliver the document personally, which according to this investigator is a normal procedure.
Which mods are affected? The two mods D2ROffline and D2RModding are affected, which basically bypassed the game’s authentication to make local modding possible. In a now-deleted post, one of the modders described that he was able to play the alpha without an invitation (via web.archive.org). However, the mod was leaked according to the creator, allowing many more people access than originally planned.
With D2RModding, it was apparently also possible to play hidden classes in the alpha test. This may now not work in the same capacity anymore. Videos of the mod have already been blocked on YouTube due to a copyright claim by Blizzard.
However, the community is still looking forward to Diablo 2: Resurrected and the first alpha testers are also convinced.
Mods for Diablo 2 yes, but not all
What’s next? One of the modders says: It’s not all that bad. When the investigator showed up, he handed over the document, took a quick photo as proof, and disappeared again. He says: ‘Everything went quickly and friendly.’
He is not concerned that there will be further consequences. ‘So far, I’m not worried as long as I stick to what Blizzard wants.’ He also wants to continue modding as far as Blizzard allows.
Blizzard, on the other hand, acknowledges that Diablo 2 owes a large part of its longevity to modders.
For Diablo 2: Resurrected this should also be possible: ‘The classic Diablo 2 and its mods will continue to exist, and we will do our best to ensure mod support for Diablo 2: Resurrected’ (via Kotaku.com).
The fact that these mods have been banned seems to be due to a specific problem. It further states: ‘Some mods, however, are atypical and pose a threat to the security of our games. Security has always been a top priority for us, and programs that can cause greater problems will not be tolerated.’
Players also seem to understand this step. In the official Diablo forum, user Drium states: ‘Blizzard is targeting illegal downloads here, not modders’ (via Blizzard.com).
On reddit, it is stated in a thread: ‘It looks like one reason [for the cease and desist] is that the mod allowed everyone to play the alpha by bypassing the integrity check? I see why that might be a problem’ and ‘This is less a mod than just piracy/a crack’ (via reddit.com).
When and where will Diablo 2: Resurrected be released?? The remaster is expected to be released in 2021, although no specific date has been given yet. Diablo 2: Resurrected will be released for PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and for the Nintendo Switch.
Before the release, there will be at least two testing phases that you can sign up for if you want to play early and help with development. You can find more important dates and information about the alpha in our overview of everything you need to know about Diablo 2: Resurrected.
