The mobile game already had a divisive announcement, as many longtime fans were disappointed to see the franchise move into the mobile space. Mobile games have a contentious relationship with more traditional video game players, so seeing the beloved franchise go into that market got a big reaction. Now that many have been able to play through Diablo Immortal’s alpha experience, more positive reviews have started to surface. This was part of why the announcement of Diablo Immortal being delayed was so disheartening, and gave many fans pause about what it could mean for Diablo 4.
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Diablo Immortal’s Delay is More Bad News for Diablo 4 and Blizzard
For the first time in the history of the franchise, there are multiple Diablo properties on the horizon. The franchise has historically only included the mainline entries, and even the characters from Diablo stayed away from guest appearances of any kind until Heroes of the Storm. But as of this writing, Diablo 2: Resurrected is in open beta and set to release on September 23. Also in Blizzard’s pocket is the now-delayed Diablo Immortal and the long awaited Diablo 4. This is a big first for the franchise, and for Blizzard itself, and it’s a big factor in why the delay of Immortal likely points to a further delay for Diablo 4.
Despite each of the three titles appealing to different niches of the fandom, they are aimed at the same group of fans and potential newcomers. It was already likely that Diablo 4 would be releasing well after Diablo 2: Resurrected in order to give each title room to breath. While the former is a remaster of a classic game and not a new title, it’s likely to still pull a lot of veteran fans alongside those who might have entered the franchise with Diablo 3. The same is likely true for Diablo Immortal.
Despite being on a separate platform from the core market for Diablo games, Blizzard probably wanted to give Immortal enough time to shine on its own merits. When it does release it will technically be the most modern Diablo title available, and the shakeup with Diablo in general will most likely point to an extension of Blizzard’s long-term goals.
With Diablo Immortal pushed into early 2022, it’s unlikely that fans will be able to get their hands on Diablo 4 until at least holiday season of that year. While there’s surely development underway for Diablo 4, much of a potential delay could come from following a release schedule that Blizzard has in mind. It’s worth noting that this is conjecture, and separate teams were working on each property, so the delay of Immortal could theoretically have no impact on Diablo 4. While this is not what fans want to hear, especially with such a derth of information on any plans for releasing Diablo 4, a delay is the most realistic possibility. Luckily, the remastered Diablo 2 is still scheduled to release soon, and should help scratch the dungeon-looting itch for fans.
Diablo Immortal is set to release in early 2022 for Android and iOS.
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