We haven’t heard much about the mobile hack-and-slay Diablo Immortal for quite a while. We’ll see how the action RPG is doing and whether we can still expect a release in 2020.
When is Diablo Immortal supposed to be released? Blizzard has not yet officially commented on a release date for the hack and slay. However, Activision Blizzard stated in an investor call that the alpha tests are still planned for 2020. Initial regional tests are supposed to start as early as summer.
However, we still do not have a release date for Diablo Immortal. It is quite possible that the action RPG will be released in 2020. However, Blizzard is known for releasing games only when the studio is truly satisfied with them. This means it would not be surprising if Diablo Immortal is only released in 2021.
Considering how poorly the release of the strategy game Warcraft 3: Reforged was received, Blizzard will surely take a bit more time this time and not rush the release of Diablo Immortal.
Strange Communication
But it’s already finished, right? The situation is a bit curious and confusing. Because in February 2019, the Chinese development studio behind the game, Netease, stated that Diablo Immortal was basically finished, but the launch date depended on Activision Blizzard.
However, head developer Wyatt Cheng disagreed at Blizzcon last year and referred to this as a rumor. Therefore, it cannot be said how far the development of the hack and slay has progressed.
Why do we hear so little about the game? As mentioned, Blizzard wants to release games only when the developers are convinced of their quality. With the disastrous launch of Warcraft 3: Reforged, the studio has certainly become more cautious.
Furthermore, the announcement of Diablo Immortal at Blizzcon 2018 was received poorly. Blizzard must show that the mobile game is a “real” Diablo. It must not feel like many mobile Asian action RPGs, such as Crusaders of Light. While these games are very successful in Asia, they often struggle in the West. And Diablo fans simply expect something different here, namely a Diablo.
Additionally, the quality of these mobile RPGs is steadily improving. Just look at Black Desert Online. Smilegate is also planning a mobile version of the highly successful Lost Ark. Diablo Immortal has strong competition and needs to distinguish itself from it. Achieving this requires finesse and apparently impacts the development time.
Nonetheless, it’s about time we heard something from Diablo Immortal again. The fact that we could be nearing the finish line is indicated by Blizzard hiring Rod Fergusson as a so-called “Closer” for the Diablo brand earlier this year. He is known for finishing projects. So it could be that the action RPG is in the final phase and is not far from release.
What is Diablo Immortal? Diablo Immortal is a hack ‘n slay that is being developed by the Chinese development studio Netease in collaboration with Blizzard and aims to bring the well-known Diablo gaming experience to mobile devices.
Blizzard constantly emphasizes that players should not expect a typical mobile game experience but a “real” Diablo.
- The story of the game is set between the events of Diablo 2 and Diablo 3.
- You can choose between the classes, Barbarian, Demon Hunter, Crusader, Monk, Necromancer, and Wizard.
- You will explore many zones, such as the town of Wortham and the Dark Wood while participating in world events.
- The controls have of course been designed so that you can comfortably perform all functions through the smartphone display.
- Action-packed battles against monsters are at the center, but they unfold slightly differently than in Diablo 1 to 3. Because there is no mana. Instead, you charge your skills in three charges. You also have powerful ultimate abilities that you must charge up as well. Each class has its own special ultimate. All of this is intended to make Diablo Immortal a bit more skill-intensive and action-packed than the other titles.
- Of course, it is still important to collect loot to improve your hero through items.
You can also pass the time waiting for Diablo Immortal with other interesting action RPGs. For that, you should take a look at the MeinMMO list of 9 new hack and slays that are set to be released in 2020.
