The Diablo IV Nobody Ever Saw

Source: WIRED

In 2014, amid the development of Diablo III: Reaper of Souls, Blizzard's team was tasked with creating a follow-up titled Hades. This project would ultimately be cancelled, leading to the eventual release of Diablo IV. Here's a glimpse into the development struggles and creative visions behind the scenes:

• Cancelation of Future Content: Following the release of Reaper of Souls, plans for a second expansion were abruptly axed, leading to feelings of uncertainty within the team.
• Perception of Diablo III: Blizzard executives viewed Diablo III as a brand-damaging failure, which clouded their judgment about its ongoing potential and future expansions.
• Evolution to Hades: The concept for Hades sought to introduce an over-the-shoulder camera and permadeath mechanics, diverging significantly from series norms.
• Development Challenges: The project faced major creative roadblocks, leading to a lack of direction and ultimately, the decision to cancel the game after lead developer Josh Mosqueira departed Blizzard.
• Transition to Diablo IV: Following the cancellation of Hades, the team pivoted to the new content for Diablo III and eventually refocused efforts on Diablo IV, which just recently launched successfully.
• Legacy: The journey of Diablo III and its expansions demonstrated Blizzard's commitment to quality, setting the stage for how the company would approach future projects.

Overall, although the development of both Hades and the second expansion for Diablo III faced significant hurdles, it ultimately paved the way for the successful launch of Diablo IV. The new game has made a substantial impact in the gaming community, overcoming the rocky past of its predecessors.