Diablo IV Initially Planned as Batman Arkham-Inspired Roguelite

Diablo 4's initial concept: a radical departure from the franchise's established formula. As revealed by former Diablo 3 director Josh Mosqueira, the game was envisioned as a fast-paced, action-adventure title with a roguelike twist – permadeath included.

Diablo 4's Unconventional Genesis: A Roguelike Vision

According to Josh Mosqueira, Diablo 4's development journey began with a strikingly different vision. Instead of the series' signature isometric action-RPG gameplay, the initial concept, codenamed "Hades," aimed for a Batman: Arkham-inspired experience, incorporating roguelike elements. This is detailed in an excerpt from Jason Schreier's book, Play Nice: The Rise and Fall of Blizzard Entertainment, featured in a recent WIRED article. The revelation sheds light on the Diablo team's post-Diablo 3 efforts, aiming to redefine the franchise after the perceived shortcomings of its predecessor.

The "Hades" prototype, conceived by Mosqueira with a select group of artists and designers, featured a third-person perspective, replacing the traditional isometric view. Combat was intended to be more dynamic and impactful, drawing inspiration from the fluid combat of the Batman: Arkham series. A defining characteristic was the inclusion of permadeath, adding a high-stakes element to the gameplay.

Despite initial support from Blizzard executives for this bold reimagining, several hurdles ultimately led to the abandonment of the roguelike design. The ambitious co-op multiplayer elements, modeled after the Arkham games, proved particularly challenging to implement. Furthermore, internal discussions questioned whether the resulting game would still feel like a true Diablo title. As designer Julian Love noted, the core gameplay mechanics differed significantly, raising the question of its identity within the franchise. Concerns grew that "Hades" was evolving into a completely new IP.

Diablo 4 recently launched its first major expansion, Vessel of Hatred, transporting players to the ominous realm of Nahantu in 1336. This expansion delves into the machinations of Mephisto, one of the Prime Evils, and his sinister plot against Sanctuary.