ARPG Innovators: Ex-Diablo Devs Unveil New Game

Former Diablo and Diablo II developers are creating a new, low-budget action RPG with the ambition to redefine the genre. Given the success of the original Diablo games, this new ARPG, developed by veterans of both titles, has significant potential.

Moon Beast Productions, an independent studio founded by Phil Shenk, Peter Hu, and Erich Schaefer, secured $4.5 million in funding to develop this ARPG. Their goal is to break free from established design conventions and revitalize the hack-and-slash experience. The team, comprised of Diablo I and II alumni, aims to deliver a more open and dynamic ARPG after more than two decades of experience, aiming to recapture the essence of the early Diablo games.

Details about the game remain scarce, but the involvement of such experienced developers suggests a high likelihood of creating a top-tier action RPG. However, breaking into a market already saturated with high-quality ARPGs will be a considerable challenge. The recent success of Diablo IV's "Vessel of Hatred" expansion, for instance, highlights the strong existing fanbase and potential resistance to change.

The competition is fierce, with other popular titles such as Path of Exile 2 also vying for players' attention. Path of Exile 2's recent release saw a phenomenal reception on Steam, boasting a peak player count exceeding 538,000, placing it among the platform's top 15 most played games. This success underscores the intense competition in the action RPG market.