After a controversial announcement in 2018, Blizzard’s Diablo Immortal mobile game has had a minimal presence at any of their conventions or events. However, that all changed with 2020’s ChinaJoy, China’s biggest gaming convention. Blizzard (Diablo, Starcraft, Overwatch) and NetEase (Warbound Storm, Creative Destruction) have finally released a trailer for Diablo Immortal.
Diablo Immortal‘s Cons
Responses were mixed. While the game’s visuals are reminiscent of Diablo 3, it has some glaring elements missing. For one, one of the most popular classes, the Witch Doctor, has been completely absent from any of the promo material. Either that means they are keeping the Witch Doctor announcement on hold or this highly popular Diablo 3 class won’t be included at all. It’s fair to say that the class could be somewhat overpowered in the previous game and summons a taxing amount of units on the screen, so perhaps they don’t know how to translate it well to mobile.
Diablo Immortal Pros
On the plus side, though, the mobile game shows new abilities for fan-favorite classes. For example, the Barbarian now does more smashing and spinning into enemies than ever before. Also, players will see the reappearance of Diablo 2’s main villain, Baal (spider leg boy is back!). Like Diablo 3, it will also remain multiplayer for fans that want it. Some classic staples of the Diablo series are remaining and helping build the foundation of Diablo Immortal.
But will they be enough? Especially since Blizzard snuffed their fans when they revealed the mobile game, Diablo Immortal, instead of the highly anticipated Diablo 4. It’s a controversy Blizzard may never live down, even if Diablo 4 is in production.
To get a more comprehensive breakdown of all UI changes and to get a translation of the Chinese text, check out BlizzPlanet’s post on the trailer.
Diablo Immortal And Its Future
The trailer at least gives fans a peek into the new game, and it looks like the Diablo they love. However, a lack of story and implied direction takes away the heroic charm to the crowd-razing game.
According to Blizzard and NetEase, they plan to begin play-testing in mid-2020. Otherwise, though, there are no official statements on a concrete plan for a beta or a formal release date.
