Diablo 4 Was a Batman Arkham-Style Roguelite Initially

Initially conceived as a drastically different title, Diablo IV's early development saw a vision for a more action-oriented, roguelite experience. This revelation comes from Diablo III director Josh Mosqueira.

Diablo IV's Near-Miss: A Roguelike Action-Adventure

According to Josh Mosqueira, Diablo IV was almost unrecognizable from its final iteration. Instead of the familiar action-RPG formula, the initial concept, codenamed "Hades," aimed for a Batman: Arkham-inspired action-adventure with permadeath mechanics.

This detail emerges from Jason Schreier's book, Play Nice: The Rise and Fall of Blizzard Entertainment, highlighting the Diablo team's post-Diablo III struggles. With Diablo III considered a setback, Mosqueira sought a radical departure for the franchise.

The "Hades" prototype featured a third-person perspective, replacing the series' iconic isometric view. Combat was envisioned as more dynamic and impactful, echoing the punchy feel of the Batman: Arkham games. Crucially, death was permanent, adding a significant layer of risk and challenge.

Despite initial executive support for this bold experiment, several hurdles emerged. The ambitious co-op multiplayer aspects proved particularly challenging. Designers questioned the game's identity, with Julian Love noting the significant departures from established Diablo conventions, even while retaining the series' dark aesthetic. Ultimately, the team concluded that the roguelike approach would essentially create a new IP rather than a Diablo game.

Diablo IV recently launched its first major expansion, Vessel of Hatred. Set in 1336, this DLC plunges players into the machinations of Mephisto, exploring his malevolent schemes in the realm of Nahantu.