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Additional Diablo Immortal Update

In case you missed it with all the Diablo IV excitement over the last couple of days, Blizzard posted a Diablo Immortal update on Friday, giving some insight into their progress and answering common questions. Today, Lead Game Designer Wyatt Cheng posted a follow-up on Reddit, further detailing how Ultimates work in Diablo Immortal, and clearing up a couple of other questions:

Originally Posted by u/wyattcheng

 

A lot of people have been asking me why we didn’t talk about Immortal on the main stage. Quite simply, we want to make sure we give Diablo 4 the space for a clear announcement. I am personally super happy for all my friends on the D4 team who worked so long towards this day. As a company, we didn’t want to risk any confusion regarding features, storylines, etc between D4 and Immortal.

 

We had an updated demo for Diablo Immortal playable on the show floor that was played by thousands of people. The demo had a playable Demon Hunter to join the Monk, Barb and Wizard from last year. Hopefully a few people who had a chance to play the game at BlizzCon will be able to share their game experience.

 

Our dev update mentions ultimates, so how do ultimates work? As you use your basic attack you charge up a meter that sits around the rim of your basic attack button. When the meter is full a new ultimate button becomes available. You can activate that button at any time of your choosing to activate an ultimate mode that transforms your basic attack into a new upgraded version. The exact details of your ultimate state change based on which basic attack you have assigned. Every class has two basic attacks each with a corresponding ultimate. We observed that some players did not notice their ultimate when it became available - something we’ll have to iterate on more.

 

One of the top questions from the weekend was “When is it coming out? I heard the game was done and I was hoping to install it this weekend!” Regarding rumors, the rumor that the game is basically done was false. We are currently in full production and working hard on the game and we’re looking forward to sharing more information in the coming months. I know the rumors are fueled by excitement for the game and I assure you that when we are ready to talk about the next phase of development there will be clear messaging from Blizzard. Thank you for your patience as we take the time to get the game right.

 

Another question I heard was, predictably, if I had a phone. Joking aside, last year’s announcement was rough, but it was nice to see people on this subreddit showing genuine support and interest in the game. The whole Diablo Immortal team loves to game on PC, console and mobile. We all want to make an authentic Diablo game for both the core Diablo audience as well as new players, and we are glad to have you on that journey with us.

He also responded to a comment clarifying device support:

Originally Posted by u/wyattcheng

Switch is not currently planned but you're not alone in wanting that. This weekend I got a lot of requests for a Switch version. BlizzCon attendees also asked about iPad (Yes, definitely - and we actually had ~25 iPads on the show floor where people could try it out), controller support (we'll look into it but no promises), and support for casting the visual to a TV (we'll look into it).

Update on Diablo Immortal for BlizzCon 2019

While Diablo Immortal didn't make it into the packed Opening Ceremony showing, Blizzard did release an update on the game earlier today. We get some insight into their progress on the game, where it fits into the lore, and some brand new gameplay!

Originally Posted by Blizzard Entertainment(Official Post)

 

Across Blizzard, there is so much Diablo in the works that there will be a way for everyone to explore Sanctuary. For those of you eagerly awaiting an update on Diablo Immortal, the team has been hard at work on the game: honing our plan and vision, solidifying our goals, tightening mechanics and game systems, and laying the groundwork for what a Blizzard mobile MMO ARPG needs to flourish. Let’s review the basics before we look at what the future holds for this new adventure.

 

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What is Diablo Immortal?

Diablo Immortal is a mobile MMO ARPG currently planned for iPhone and Android devices. We want it to include all the things you know and love about Diablo: multitudes of monsters to slay, troves of loot to collect and customize, and powerful classes to play with friends or on your own.

 

What makes Diablo Immortal different?

In addition to the new platform, the shift to mobile MMO ARPG embraces online multiplayer. While we still want players to be able to enjoy the game solo, Diablo Immortal will thrive with multiplayer features including persistent shared zones, 4-player instanced dungeons, full Guild support and social systems, and so much more.

 

Where does Diablo Immortal fit into the overall story?

Diablo Immortal takes place between the events of Diablo II and Diablo III. As Sanctuary recovers from the aftermath of Baal’s invasion and the destruction of Mount Arreat, powerful malevolent forces seek the remains of the Worldstone for their diabolical desires.

 

Your character will be a unique, original hero who allies themselves with the remnants of the Horadrim, aiming to prevent the enemies of Sanctuary from reclaiming and controlling the Worldstone. Stand together with other mortal champions and defend your home from the corrupting evil of the Burning Hells!

 

What classes will be playable in Diablo Immortal?

Currently, we have six classes planned for players to select in Diablo Immortal: Barbarian, Crusader, Demon Hunter, Monk, Necromancer, and Wizard.

 

What’s New for Diablo Immortal at BlizzCon 2019?

Last year’s demo revealed the Barbarian, Monk, and Wizard, playable in a streamlined dungeon experience. This year, attendees will also be able to take the Demon Hunter for a spin (or Strafe) through a slice of open-world gameplay through the town of Wortham and the outdoor zone of Ashwold Cemetary.

 

 

We’ve added a new base game mechanic: Ultimate Abilities. All classes gain charge for their chosen Ultimate by using basic attacks. Once this charge has been built up, players can choose to augment their basic attack for a short time in a face-meltingly powerful display of strength, guile, or raw magical potential.

 

We’re also sharing a first look at our equipment system, including the first batch of skill-altering Legendary items. Turn your Scorch’s burning fireball into an icy Frozen Orb, change up how Exploding Palm targets foes and dishes out damage, or transform deadly arrows into grenades when using Strafe.

 

There’s no better way to check it out than watching the action, so be sure to watch our latest gameplay trailer:

 

You might spot a few other things we’re showing off that aren’t available in the demo, and even more we’ll be ready to share next year!

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QUESTIONS?

We might not have an answer to all your questions, but we tackled a few of the more common ones below. If we don’t have an answer for you now, it’s very likely your topic is still in active development. We’ll have additional information to share as it becomes available.

 

Q: When will I be able to play Diablo Immortal?
A: We don’t have a release date to announce at this time. It takes significant time to meet the Blizzard quality level we’re aiming for, and we have a lot of ambitious goals for Diablo Immortal. Keep a close eye on Diablo channels for upcoming news and Pre-Register for testing opportunities here.

 

Q: Will there be microtransactions in Diablo Immortal? How will Diablo Immortal be priced?
A: We’re focused on building a great Diablo game first. That said, we know the business model is top of mind for lots of people out there and we’re taking the time to get it right. It’s too early to share details, but we want to make a Diablo game players love and to support it for years to come. We plan to achieve that by creating an ecosystem that accounts for and welcomes every type of player—from our most die-hard Diablo veterans to those who’ll be exploring Sanctuary for the first time.

 

Q: What will support for Diablo Immortal look like after launch?
A: Diablo Immortal is planned from the ground up for ongoing content and events. After launch, expect continued support and regular content updates including balance changes, new zones, dungeons, bosses, loot, additional stories, and even new classes!

Diablo 4 First Look at Gameplay!

Diablo IV was finally announced with a stunning cinematic trailer, just minutes ago at BlizzCon 2019. We don't have a release window just yet, but we do know the game is coming to PC, PS4, and Xbox One, and now, we have our first glimpse of gameplay! Check out the just-released Diablo IV Gameplay Trailer:

Diablo 4 Officially Announced!

While we've had plenty of leaks and lots of rumors, the day has finally arrived for the official reveal! Just minutes ago in the BlizzCon 2019 Opening Ceremony, Diablo IV was announced to the world through the cinematic trailer "By Three They Come"!

DiabloFan's writers are on the show floor at this moment and will have more coverage for us soon, stay tuned!

Art of Diablo - Diablo 4 Pages Leaked!

Last week we reported on some Diablo IV leaks from the upcoming Art of Diablo book. This morning, shortly before the expected announcement at BlizzCon 2019, user Exposition_Fairy on Reddit received their copy early and uploaded all of the Diablo IV related images to Imgur.

This page is of particular interest, detailing the artistic vision with the key pillars of the game's direction: "Return to Darkness," Embrace the Legacy", and "Old Masters Pillar," which helps give us a sense of the game's tone and will likely have fans excited:

We'll have much more Diablo coverage coming throughout the day as BlizzCon commences, with breaking news and detailed breakdowns later in the day, so stay tuned! In the meantime, check out the full D4 image gallery from the book!