At BlizzCon 2019, Blizzard is reportedly set to announce Diablo 4. However, the visions circulating for the game are far from the “minimalistic look” that many fans desire. Even the Isometric perspective might be at risk.
For a year now, it has been known that Blizzard intends to present Diablo 4 at BlizzCon 2019. An insider report from Kotaku from November 2018 hinted at this.
In recent days and weeks, rumors have intensified that we will see Diablo 4 in Anaheim.
Leakers are discussing Blizzard’s plans. Additionally, an ad went live that practically announced Diablo 4.
But little is known about Diablo 4 yet. What could the visions be?
Vision 1 Fenris: Like Diablo 3, but with more RPG
What would be the model? The model is to be found in Asia. “Action MMORPGs” like Lost Ark are coming from Korea.
These games take the ISO perspective that Diablo 3 popularized and combine it with more elements from classic MMORPGs:
- the environment is destructible
- there are diverse and complex quests and activities
- as well as a variety of classes and upgrading options
- new social hubs will be added where players can interact and form groups
- but the focus remains on quick action, many kills and loot
Why is this plausible? This “MMORPG light” version of Diablo would have been the game that David Brevik, the father of Diablo, would have made out of Diablo 3.
He then implemented his vision in Marvel Heroes – there were many more heroes than in Diablo 3 and more complex activities, even raids. There were also social hubs where you could meet other players.
At a higher level, Smilegate implemented this idea in South Korea with Lost Ark and seemed to hit a nerve – even with Western players who admire Lost Ark from afar.
There is a feeling in the air that a large Western studio is trying to achieve this balancing act between hack’n slash and MMORPG:
- the complexity and social binding power of an MMORPG
- the fast instant-action gameplay of a hack’n slash
- the desire for looting, leveling, and slicing
Whoever successfully combines these three factors could have found the formula for a mega hit in the mainstream. Such a game would certainly also do well on PS5 and Project Scarlett.
According to the insider report, Blizzard is developing such a Diablo 4 under the codename “Project Fenris”.
A year ago, however, many questions were still open, such as whether to stick with ISO or whether to move to the third-person perspective.
Vision 2 Hades – Action Game as Diablo
What would be the model? The model here would be an action loot shooter like Destiny. It is also compared to Dark Souls:
- The perspective would no longer be ISO, but third person
- The style would be dark and gloomy – in the gothic look
- It would be a classic, challenging dungeon crawler
Why is this plausible? According to rumors, Blizzard developed this version of Diablo 4 between 2014 and 2016 as “Project Hades” but abandoned it.
Nevertheless, parts of this design are said to be under discussion for the current version: such as the third-person perspective.
If Blizzard has changed its mind and is moving more in that direction, Diablo 4 would occupy a new market for Activision Blizzard.
Diablo 4 will likely be a breakthrough
What is behind it: The interesting thing is that both versions that surfaced in late 2018 deviate significantly from the classic Diablo pattern:
- The increased amount of “social” activities would only become apparent to many while playing
- The switch to the third-person perspective would be a drastic stylistic break that would already cause discussions with the trailer
The veterans of Diablo 1 and 2 actually appreciate the “minimalistic” nature and the relatively few mechanics in Diablo, leaving much to the player’s discretion. They favor the dark look and the ominous aesthetic of Diablo.
How fans would react to “Hades” or “Fenris” would certainly be interesting: It is a difficult situation: Diablo fans somehow want innovation, but the spirit of Diablo should be preserved.
Blizzard can really only lose here.
At the moment, it looks like Diablo 4 is heading towards “MMO light”: Blizzard will likely add more social and RPG elements to the formula.
It would be surprising if Blizzard really moves away from the isometric look, especially since Lost Ark is such a success in South Korea. However, it cannot be ruled out that Diablo 4 will then be seen in third-person.
The BlizzCon 2019 takes place from November 1st to 2nd, 2019. We will report on MeinMMO about this.
