Character Customization Could Make Diablo 4 a True RPG Again

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Blizzard launched Diablo in January 1997, with the grim world of Sanctuary introducing gamers to a new type of action RPG that hooked many right away. From Deckard Cain's voice as Tristram to the exploration of the catacombs beneath the cathedral, role-playing in video games really took a leap forward. Diablo became Blizzard's second multi-game franchise, surpassing the company's wildest expectations, and now Diablo 4 has the chance to recapture its RPG sensibilities with expanded character customization.

The franchise grew in popularity as Diablo 2 maintained the atmosphere and aesthetics with added gameplay mechanics and an expansive world. However, as Blizzard added more action-oriented mechanics, the roots of the role-playing game were fading away. While Diablo and Diablo 2 managed to walk the line of introducing and refining hack-and-slash gameplay while retaining storytelling and character development, Diablo 3 seemingly forget what made the franchise so great, opening plenty of opportunities for its successor.

Blizzard Announces Diablo 4 Closed Beta

Diablo 3 was by far the biggest hit in the franchise, although much of it can be attributed to gaming markets evolving over the years. Diablo 3 was also a massive success because it borrowed a page from the company's cash cow, World of Warcraft. It leaned on multiplayer aspects, introduced a more family-friendly aesthetic, and downplayed the importance of role-playing in the truest sense.

People flocked to the game as they did with World of Warcraft, with 30 million gamers buying Diablo 3 as of February 2021. But the game changed a lot, as meaningful dialog, interesting storylines, and gripping narration made room for shiny objects, multiplayer marketplaces, and cartoonish