Initial plans for Diablo IV envisioned a significant departure from the series' established formula, according to Diablo III director Josh Mosqueira. The game was initially conceived as a more action-oriented, permadeath-focused experience.
Diablo IV's Near-Miss: A Roguelike Action-Adventure
A revealing excerpt from Jason Schreier's book, Play Nice: The Rise and Fall of Blizzard Entertainment, details an alternate vision for Diablo IV. Instead of the familiar isometric action-RPG gameplay, Mosqueira proposed a game akin to the Batman: Arkham series, incorporating roguelike elements.
This "Hades" project, as it was internally known, featured a third-person perspective, more dynamic combat, and a core mechanic of permadeath. While Blizzard executives initially supported this radical shift, several challenges ultimately derailed the concept.
Development Hurdles and Identity Crisis
The ambitious co-op multiplayer aspects proved particularly problematic. Designers questioned whether the project retained enough of Diablo's core identity, given its altered controls, reward systems, monsters, and heroes. The growing sentiment was that "Hades" was effectively a new IP altogether.
Diablo IV's Current State and Recent Expansion
Diablo IV recently launched its first major expansion, Vessel of Hatred. This DLC introduces the ominous realm of Nahantu (1336 A.D.) and delves into Mephisto's machinations. [Link to Diablo IV DLC review would go here].
