The Chinese developer studio Netease announced in February 2019 that the development of the mobile game Diablo Immortal was basically completed. However, Blizzard called it a rumor in November 2019 that Diablo Immortal was already finished – production was still in full swing.
Update 4.11.2019: At BlizzCon 2019, chief developer Wyatt Cheng emphasized that the development of Diablo Immortal is still in full swing.
Diablo Immortal is being developed jointly by the Chinese company NetEase and Blizzard.
- In February 2019, NetEase’s finance chief Yang Zahoxouan told analysts: Diablo Immortal was practically finished from a co-developer’s perspective. (via bloomberg) He called it “pretty much ready.” Questions about the release should be directed to Activision.
- Cheng called it in November 2019 on the sidelines of BlizzCon “a rumor.” (via reddit) that Diablo Immortal was finished. They were still in the midst of production. They would take the time to make Diablo Immortal as good as possible.
This could mean that NetEase’s work is complete and the game is now entirely in Blizzard’s hands.
Original report from February 2019:
How far along is Diablo Immortal? Blizzard has been withholding information since the not-so-successful announcement of the mobile game. However, the Chinese developer studio Netease has now spoken out.
During a conference call, it was stated that the development of Diablo Immortal is basically complete regarding Netease’s work. Although there is still room for optimizations, these do not affect a release date.
When asked about a launch, the team explained that this question needs to be directed to Activision Blizzard.
What exactly is Netease doing? The Chinese studio is responsible for the development of the game, as the company already has experience with mobile action RPGs. However, Blizzard is also involved. Netease is essentially considered the “team” implementing the game, while Blizzard provides ideas, feedback, suggestions for changes, etc.
What does this mean? Diablo Immortal is therefore basically finished. Theoretically, it could be released. However, it depends on Blizzard why no launch date has been announced yet. There hasn’t even been any talk about the start of the beta.
What could the reasons be for this? Diablo fans on Reddit are already wildly speculating why Blizzard might be “holding back” the game. Are they looking for the right marketing strategy? Is Blizzard perhaps not entirely satisfied yet?
MisterSkills has a somewhat cynical opinion: “They are probably planning how to make the most money without upsetting the fans.”
Fans don’t really hate Diablo Immortal
What is the mood like? Blizzard faced severe criticism after the announcement of Diablo Immortal at Blizzcon 2018. There was a shitstorm that the company did not expect.
However, it is noticeable on Reddit that the anger is slowly subsiding. It is also evident that the anger is not really directed at the mobile game, but against the way the announcement was made. There are even many who look forward to being able to play the hack ‘n slash on their smartphones.
Watersplash-ger commented, for example: “I am so excited, please release it soon!”
Now it is up to Blizzard to announce a release date for Diablo Immortal.
