Diablo Immortal
What kind of game is this? Essentially, it is a Diablo for smartphones, but with significantly more MMO aspects. The game promises:
- Multiple servers, allowing players to create multiple characters
- A choice of 6 classes: Barbarian, Wizard, Monk, Necromancer, Demon Hunter, and Crusader
- Hubs (cities) where you will encounter many other players
- Dungeons for 4 players
- A marketplace where players can sell items to each other
- Weekly rewards
The classic hack’n slay gameplay remains intact, where you slay hordes of enemies and search for the best possible loot.
What makes it interesting? Diablo is a very well-known game series from Blizzard and has a large fanbase. However, they initially had issues with Immortal. At BlizzCon 2018, the mobile game was announced but received much criticism, also because the audience was hoping for a Diablo 4 on PC.
In October 2020, Immortal was then internally tested by Blizzard employees and found to be good. An initial alpha without NDA also took place around the holidays in 2020, where the feedback from testers was positive.
This is Diablo Immortal at best: A full-fledged Diablo on mobile, with complex game systems, action-packed gameplay, and excellent production values.
Mobile is clearly the thrust that Activision has set for financial reasons, and Blizzard is now following. With Diablo Immortal, they aim to hit it big in Asia, but also entice core gamers in the USA and Europe to mobile gaming.
Therefore, Diablo Immortal is extremely important for Blizzard and they are probably taking their time with it.
This is Diablo Immortal at worst: A clunky 08/15 affair that does not differ from comparable mobile games. There are already a plethora of mobile action RPGs from China.
Diablo Immortal needs unique gameplay features; the game must be polished and finished when it releases.
If Blizzard fails to bring the Diablo feeling with loot, story, and atmosphere to mobile, they could damage their image and the brand.
Will the game also be available for PC and console? Currently, no version of Diablo Immortal for PC or consoles has been announced.
