Diablo 4 Was a Batman Arkham-Style Roguelite Initially

Early concepts for Diablo IV envisioned a significant departure from the series' established formula. According to Diablo III director Josh Mosqueira, the initial design aimed for a more dynamic, action-adventure experience reminiscent of the Batman: Arkham series, incorporating roguelike elements such as permadeath.

A Radical Reimagining of Diablo IV: The "Hades" Project

A Bloomberg report, drawing from Jason Schreier's book Play Nice, reveals that the early stages of Diablo IV, codenamed "Hades," involved a radical shift in gameplay. Mosqueira, seeking to distance the project from the perceived shortcomings of Diablo III, spearheaded a vision that included an over-the-shoulder camera perspective, replacing the series' traditional isometric view. The combat was intended to be more fluid and impactful, akin to the punchy combat of the Batman Arkham games. Crucially, the game would have featured permadeath, significantly altering the risk/reward dynamic.

Despite initial support from Blizzard executives, the ambitious "Hades" project faced significant hurdles. The integration of co-op multiplayer, designed in the style of the Arkham games, proved exceptionally challenging. Furthermore, internal discussions questioned whether the project remained true to the Diablo identity. As designer Julian Love noted, while the core aesthetic remained consistent, the altered gameplay mechanics created a sense of divergence from the established franchise. Ultimately, the development team concluded that the roguelike Diablo IV would essentially constitute a new IP.

Diablo IV's Recent Expansion: Vessel of Hatred

Diablo IV recently launched its first major expansion, Vessel of Hatred. This DLC transports players to the ominous realm of Nahantu in 1336, exploring Mephisto's machinations and his malevolent designs upon Sanctuary. [Link to review of Diablo 4 DLC would go here]