Diablo 4 Was a Batman Arkham-Style Roguelite Initially

Initially conceived as a radically different experience, Diablo IV's early development saw it envisioned as a more action-oriented, roguelike title, according to Diablo III director Josh Mosqueira.

Diablo 3 Director's Vision for a Reimagined Diablo IV

Ambitious Roguelike Design Faced Development Challenges

A recent WIRED report, drawing from Jason Schreier's book Play Nice: The Rise and Fall of Blizzard Entertainment, reveals a fascinating glimpse into Diablo IV's pre-release development. Mosqueira, aiming to distance the game from the perceived shortcomings of Diablo III, proposed a bold departure from the series' established formula.

Under the codename "Hades," an early iteration of Diablo IV emerged, featuring a third-person perspective (unlike the series' traditional isometric view), Batman: Arkham-inspired combat emphasizing impactful action, and a challenging permadeath mechanic.

While Mosqueira enjoyed initial support for this innovative approach, the project encountered significant hurdles. The ambitious co-op multiplayer elements proved particularly problematic, prompting internal debate about the game's identity. As designer Julian Love noted, the core gameplay diverged significantly from the Diablo franchise, raising questions about whether it remained true to its roots. Ultimately, the team concluded that the roguelike design might be better suited as a completely new IP.

Diablo IV recently launched its first major expansion, Vessel of Hatred. This DLC transports players to the ominous realm of Nahantu in 1336, unveiling Mephisto's sinister plots within Sanctuary. [Link to Diablo IV DLC review would be inserted here].