With Diablo 4, customizable class characters made their debut in the main series of the action RPG, but the character editor received a lot of criticism. MeinMMO has asked the developers what ideas are behind the designs and whether anything will change in the future.
The character editor was controversially discussed during the beta of Diablo 4. Especially the druid drew criticism for its plump proportions, but the skinny necromancer also did not fare well with everyone.
On the other hand, there were also a lot of supporters for the limited possibilities and the individual appearance depending on the class.
It was one of the biggest topics in the community during the beta, and MeinMMO has asked the developers what thoughts lie behind the class designs and how likely it is that changes will be made to the options.
The transmog system provides many options for appearance alongside the character editor. Watch the video to see how the system works:
“Characters should not only look good”
We sent the developer a few written questions, and Lead Game Producer Melissa Corning answered them.
- MeinMMO: Druids and necromancers have sparked some discussions in the community due to their appearance. What was particularly important to you in designing the player characters?
Corning: When it comes to visual design, we place great importance on creating characters that not only look great but also feel unique and iconic.
Druids and necromancers have very clear class fantasies – from a shapeshifting master of storm and earth to a dark summoner who manipulates bones and flesh. We keep these class fantasies in mind when designing class aspects, but in Diablo IV, it’s all about player choice.
Everything – from abilities, customizations, transmog, gear, and much more – is designed so that players can create different looks and builds regardless of the class they play.
- MeinMMO: There has been feedback from players who wish for more customization options, such as sliders for body size. Why did you decide against it?
Corning: We want each class to feel unique, not just in terms of abilities and animations but also in terms of appearance, so that classes visually differ. To that end, we have several customization options for each class.
Additionally, every piece of equipment for each individual class is handcrafted, so no matter how you design your character, you can be sure that every piece of gear looks amazing.
Of course, we always appreciate feedback and are open to future changes!
Beta feedback has already led to initial adjustments
- MeinMMO: Do you have plans to expand the customization options in the future?
Corning: We have already looked into how we can improve customization options. The recent open beta gave us some great ideas.
One aspect we are looking into is whether we can split the markings in the character editor into body and face options instead of having one [option] that covers the entire character.
People loved the options we had for markings, but didn’t always want them to appear on their characters’ faces and wanted them separated – which we think is a great idea.
- MeinMMO: When playing a druid, the were-forms depend on hair color, and body hair is determined by skin tone. What other details might players have likely overlooked in the beta?
Corning: With the druid, it was a lot of fun creating customization options for him due to his animal forms. But the druid isn’t the only class with unique features.
There are a few unique customization options for each class that you can discover when creating characters. For example, each class has a unique hairstyle that is specific only to them.
Be sure to explore and experiment with the insane amount of customization options we have!
- MeinMMO: Even side characters in D4 feel much more alive than in D3. How did you give them “character”?
Corning: Our goal with Diablo IV is to create a vibrant, breathing world that feels alive. And that doesn’t happen without great characters.
Our writers have put a lot of thought into every detail of the story, including the side characters you meet along the way. We didn’t want to just place someone to fill the space. Instead, we ask ourselves what this person’s life would look like in Sanctuary and how they would deal with current events.
The characters convey the feeling of having a place in this dark world of Sanctuary.
Finally, we asked one question outside of the character editor that was of concern to parts of the editorial team:
- MeinMMO: What kind of drink would Lilith prefer, wine or beer?
Corning: Wine, definitely! Something appropriately dark and brooding like a rich, full-bodied blood-red wine.
We thank the developers of Diablo 4 for their responses. If you have any questions or opinions on the topic, please leave a comment.
If you prefer to read more about Diablo 4, check this out: Diablo 4 is almost finished, but Blizzard is deliberately forgoing an important feature from before
