Activision Blizzard is currently in the midst of a well-deserved turmoil and major changes will hopefully be made to the way the company operates.
Despite the length of time since the last full Diablo game, fans of the series remain hopeful that the next instalment isn't too far away. However, recent developments in and around Activision Blizzard are troubling for many reasons.
Here's everything we know about Diablo 4 so far.
LATEST - Diablo 4 Delayed
Despite only ever having - at best - a hinted release year, Diablo 4 has been 'delayed'. The announcement came yesterday alongside the reveal that Overwatch 2 is also getting delayed (again).
It seems strange to announce this given that no one was under the impression the game had a release date to begin with but at least is sets expectations for the fanbase moving forward.
Diablo 4 set for 2022 Release Date?
During the Activision/Blizzard earnings call yesterday, amid all the chatter about the studio projects, it was revealed that they expect to release multiple titles in 2022.
When looking at the current slate of games that the developer has on hand, it's hard to see what other games it could have been talking about. Both Diablo 4 and Overwatch 2 were singled out as doing well in development during the call also.
It's safe to say that at the moment, Diablo 4 could very likely see the light of day in 2022.
Diablo 4 Release Date
Blizzard is holding their cards very close to their chest with Diablo 4. This includes a release date.
We haven't been given a single detail to go off. No mention of a release year or window of any kind. Long term, this may be best for the development of the game.
Based on the updates that Blizzard have been providing, we can only guess that a late 2022 or early 2023 release looks most likely.
Diablo 4 Story Trailer
We have received a few looks at the game but the official reveal trailer from Blizzcon 2019 is still the best look at the story of the game.
Lilith, Daughter of the Lord of Hatred, is likely to be the main antagonist of the game. Diablo 4 takes place in the direct aftermath of Reaper of Souls.
Cultists have summoned Lilith with hopes of taking advantage of the depleted forces of Heaven and Hell after the events of Diablo 3.
Lilith is the party responsible for the creation of Sanctuary and thus the birth of the Nephalem, which is the character you play as in the Diablo series.
Diablo 4 Classes
Three classes were initially announced during BlizzCon 2019 with a fourth added at BlizzCon this year.
The classes are as follows;
- The Barbarian - Series staple who has been part of Diablo 2 and 3. The Barbarian is a powerhouse, heavy weapon wielding class, intent on one thing, dealing damage.
- The Sorceress - A returning class from Diablo 2, The Sorceress is an elemental mage controlling Fire, Ice and Lightning magic. Similar to the Wizard from Diablo 3.
- The Druid - Another class returning from Diablo 2, the Druid is a shapeshifter taking on human, werewolf and werebear forms. The class also has some magical abilities, controlling Earth and Strom magic.
- The Rogue - This class has not been seen since the first Diablo game. An agile class based on mobility and damage can switch between ranged and melee attacks.
