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As gamers gear up for the highly-anticipated release of Diablo 4, it seems like the legendary franchise might face some competition from within. Erich Schaefer, co-creator of Diablo, has joined Moon Beast Productions to work on a new action RPG title that could give Diablo a run for its money.
Blizzard’s action RPG franchise has been satisfying gamers since the original Diablo hit PC screens in 1997. With a massive following of players addicted to the franchise’s gameplay loop of demon-slaying and loot-grabbing, it’s no wonder that Blizzard’s latest entry in the franchise, Diablo 4, is one of the most anticipated games of the year.
About the Diablo franchise
Despite some dramatic highs and lows over the years, including the beloved 2000 release of Diablo II and the disastrous reception of the franchise’s free-to-play mobile game Diablo Immortal, the franchise remains one of the most popular in gaming history. Some long-time fans have criticized recent entries in the series, but many are hopeful that Diablo 4 will represent a return to form for the franchise. Players can even try it out for themselves during the open beta period later this month.
Blizzard’s action RPG franchise, Diablo, has been a fan favorite since its debut on PC in 1997. Its satisfying gameplay loop of demon slaying and gear grabbing has developed a massive following of gamers addicted to the franchise. Over the years, the series has seen some dramatic highs and lows, with Diablo II receiving high praise and titles like the free-to-play mobile game Diablo Immortal being heavily criticized by fans. However, many gamers are hopeful that the upcoming release of Diablo 4 will be a return to form for the franchise.
Blizzard co-creator to partner with other devs
Erich Schaefer, co-creator of Diablo, has recently joined Moon Beast Productions as a chief creative officer. Alongside other former Blizzard developers, Schaefer will lead the creative direction of the studio’s new action RPG game. According to Phil Shenk, co-founder of Moon Beast Productions, the studio aims to “revolutionize the genre” and solve some of the problems that are typically seen in PvE games.
Despite the mystery surrounding the upcoming game, Schaefer is excited about his new role and has stated that Moon Beast Productions has “fired up my imagination with possibilities.” The studio has confirmed that the game will most likely be multiplatform and will use a commercial game engine rather than developing its own from scratch.
Although taking on a game franchise as popular as Diablo may seem daunting, Moon Beast Productions is bringing in some heavy hitters to take on the challenge. Alongside Schaefer, the team includes other Blizzard North alumni, and it’s clear that they’re confident in their abilities to make a splash in the genre.
However, there’s no word on whether they plan to follow in Blizzard’s footsteps and make an appearance in the fashion world following Diablo 4’s debut at Milan Fashion Week.
Still a fan of the second sequel? Learn the best mods for Diablo II that might help reinvigorate your passion for the game!
