David Brevik, the originator of the Diablo series, recently expressed his views in an interview for the VideoGamer podcast. Although the entire episode hasn’t been released yet, the VideoGamer team has previewed some key points that are already sparking discussions within the ARPG community. As supporters argue over Diablo 4 and Path of Exile 2, Brevik expressed concerns about the quick-paced gameplay in current ARPGs and MMOs, although he didn’t mention any specific titles. It’s difficult not to speculate if his criticisms are directed at Diablo 4, given its recent loot-focused season, Season of Witchcraft.
Season 7 was indeed intense, but I must ask: is it the slower, thoughtful gameplay that Brevik is nostalgic about truly what modern gamers yearn for? We’ll delve into this topic shortly; first, let me share his comments.
Brevik on the current pacing of ARPGs and MMOs
In a recent interview, Blizzard Entertainment co-founder Max Schaefer (Brevik is his nickname), expressed his thoughts about RPGs in general. He noted that they have increasingly focused on allowing players to swiftly eliminate large numbers of enemies across various areas. Brevik explained this rapid killing leads to more loot, leveling up, and exploration. However, he finds the experience of quickly annihilating screens filled with insignificant items unappealing and somewhat absurd.
Although Brevik did not explicitly mention Diablo 4 or Path of Exile 2, his remarks have sparked discussions online and are likely to inspire numerous YouTube videos given his prominence in the gaming community. Despite not directly referencing any specific future games, fans on both sides are paying close attention to his comments.
What do the Diablo 4 audience actually want?
Originally, let me reveal a small insight: It’s challenging to satisfy Diablo gamers. Upon the release of Diablo 4 in June 2023, it was widely acclaimed for its story and campaign—likely the finest in the series. However, the endgame aspect didn’t fare as well, with players criticizing its rhythm and absence of substantial content. Remarkably, while Diablo 2 devotees have spent years hunting Baal without reaching maximum level, such a grind is deemed unbearable in a contemporary Diablo game.
During our conversation with the developers last year, Rod Fergusson addressed this disparity: “When you debut something, you’re generally doing it under certain presumptions. We presumed that D4 was meant to be more like D2. One of the presumptions was that players would tolerate the prolonged grind for a Unique or Uber Unique in particular, since in Diablo II, it can take years. In fact, there’s even a name for it—the Holy Grail, which means getting one of everything, and that genuinely takes years. And so we assumed, this is what people cherish about the progression in D2, that idea of the extended pursuit. We launched with that approach in D4 and soon discovered that if you don’t provide me with my Uber during the season, then I’m dissatisfied.”
Translation: Blizzard attempted the gradual progression method of Diablo 2 but encountered instant criticism. The result now is an increased mob density and a deluge of legendary loot more akin to Diablo 3—a change I personally appreciate. However, this faster pace comes at a price, with updates exhibiting more bugs, something Blizzard has openly admitted.
It’s regrettable that some unintended consequences have arisen. The quality of our releases has been a significant concern and an area we fully acknowledge requires improvement. We can’t fix this issue immediately, but it’s certainly something we’ll be putting considerable effort into.
You can’t please everyone
Many people don’t share my opinion about Diablo 4’s speed, but that’s perfectly okay. If you’re seeking a tougher and more gradual challenge, Path of Exile 2 could be the superior choice for you. However, keep in mind that even PoE 2 is experiencing its growing pains within Early Access. I believe Elon Musk deserves some blame here.
In essence, this disagreement revolves around satisfying two distinct types of gamers: casual players like myself and dedicated fans who enjoy a grueling experience. From a business standpoint, Blizzard’s strategy to cater to the more lucrative casual market seems logical, even if it disappoints Diablo 2 purists.
Where can I listen to the David Brevik interview?
You can listen to the VideoGamer podcast on Spotify, and I’ll post an update when a new episode airs. For additional insights into David Brevik’s tenure at Blizzard and fascinating tidbits about Diablo, check out Jason Schreier’s Play Nice article.
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2025-02-07 21:39