Diablo new version has just been released
Six years after the release of Diablo 3, the Diablo community has been excited since Blizzard’s announcement in August about “multiple Diablo projects in the works”. However, Blizzard just threw cold water on fans’ expectation about Diablo 4 by releasing a mobile version of the game instead. Named Diablo Immortal, the new version is developed for iOS and Android mobile devices by a third-party called NetEase and was introduced at BlizzCon opening ceremony last Saturday.
Fans are not very happy about the news
The mobile version has met with the worst reaction from fans. Its Youtube teaser was disliked almost 25 times higher than likes, and the gameplay trailer received the same negative response with more than 20 times dislikes to likes. All the comment sections from Youtube to other game forums were flooded with fans’ expression of anger and disappointment towards Blizzard’s decision. Rumour has it that Blizzard has tried to delete several hate comments, but there are still plenty to read.
The situation became worse offline as the developers were mocked right after the announcement at Blizzcon. One fan asked them directly if this mobile version is an outdated April Fool’s joke, making developers re-stated awkwardly that it was an official release for a new game.
It is not difficult to understand why the Diablo community is so angry about the new game. With Blizzard unclear statement about its project for a new Diablo game and the appearance of a prime panel spot for Diablo at Blizzcon 2018, fans were expecting to see a brand new game in this legendary game’s universe. Thus, a mobile version – which is usually a sign of “milking” a losing franchise - is such a huge disappointment. Moreover, many fans are now suspecting that Diablo Immortal is just a reskin from its co-developer NetEase’s old game called Endless of God because of their undeniable similarities.
Blizzard's explanation on what happened to the new Diablo version
In response to fans’ criticisms, Blizzard stressed that there are still many Diablo projects to be released in the future. Blizzard believes that the collaboration with NetEase to bring Diablo to the mobile platform will be a good chance to improve users’ experience with new technologies and to broaden the Diablo community.
About fans’ accusation of taking advantage of Diablo’s fame to re-clone NetEase’s previous mobile game, Blizzard firmly stated that the two companies had worked together “to create everything about Diablo Immortal. The environments, the characters, the skills, the story” as a unique, brand new game. The Blizzard team has played and enjoyed the game on all platforms. They wish for fans’ patient and understanding until new Diablo projects come.