Blizzard is trying to temper the expectations of Diablo fans. But what is Blizzard announcing at BlizzCon 2018, if it’s not Diablo 4? Our author Schuhmann presents possible scenarios.
This is how Blizzard fueled the rumors: In the run-up to BlizzCon 2018, Blizzard ignited speculation around a Diablo 4. It doesn’t take much for that; Diablo is one of the biggest game brands in the world and has been dormant for years. A spark is enough to heat up the speculation.
These hints sparked the speculation:
- the “most important spot” was allocated to Diablo at BlizzCon 2018. In the first slot after the keynote, the major announcements of a BlizzCon are usually presented – this year, the spot belongs to a Diablo panel.
- it was also announced beforehand that there are “multiple Diablo projects in the works”
- and for years, it has been known that Blizzard is working on a new “yet unannounced Diablo” project
For many fans, it was clear: Diablo 4 or something else big is coming to the fair.
This is how Blizzard cooled down the rumors: Then came the cold shower. Blizzard made it clear that they are indeed working on what everyone hopes for, but it will probably take a while.
The news was interpreted as: There will probably be no Diablo 4 at the fair.
What else could Blizzard announce? However, Blizzard will announce something. This is also evident from the news. The question is just, what exactly?
The small solution:
- It is almost certain that an animated Netflix series on Diablo is being developed. This could be presented at BlizzCon
- Furthermore, rumors have been circulating for months that Blizzard is planning a “remastered version” of the classic Diablo 2 – maybe we can expect that at BlizzCon
- the Eternal Collection for Diablo 3 for Nintendo Switch could also be brought back into the spotlight
- There’s an outsider chance of an expansion for Diablo 3 – maybe something small and compact like the “Necromancer” DLC
Perhaps Blizzard will bundle these “smaller things” together and present them to the fans.
The big solution:
But do you really need the most important slot of BlizzCon for that? It is conceivable that a different, “proper” game with the Diablo IP could actually be announced:
- Maybe a mobile game – in every financial report from Activision, it states that Blizzard is developing new mobile titles, eventually they need to be presented
- or something so far removed from classic Diablo that they want to temper expectations – perhaps an action game in the Diablo universe like Destiny or an “action MMO” like Project TL or Lost Ark
In either case, it would make sense to limit fans’ expectations now. Because if fans are waiting for a Diablo 4 and get something completely different served, they would be disappointed and the “new” game would not be in good standing.
Despite the cold hellfire shower from Blizzard, much still seems possible. On November 2, we will finally learn more.
