Ex-Diablo devs are working on a new ARPG to innovate the genre

Former Diablo and Diablo II developers are creating a new, low-budget action RPG with the ambition to redefine the genre. Given the success of the original Diablo games, this new ARPG, developed by veterans of both titles, has significant potential.

Moon Beast Productions, an independent studio founded by Phil Shenk, Peter Hu, and Erich Schaefer, secured $4.5 million in funding to develop this innovative ARPG. Their goal is to break free from established genre conventions and create a more open and dynamic experience, revisiting the core elements that made the early Diablo games so compelling. The team aims to revolutionize hack-and-slash gameplay after over two decades in the industry.

Details about the game remain scarce, but the involvement of such experienced developers suggests a high likelihood of creating a top-tier action RPG. However, the ARPG market is fiercely competitive, presenting a significant challenge. The recent success of Diablo IV's "Vessel of Hatred" expansion, along with the established player base, creates a formidable hurdle.

Further complicating matters is the strong competition from other popular ARPGs like Path of Exile 2. Path of Exile 2's recent launch on Steam was exceptionally successful, achieving a peak player count exceeding 538,000, placing it among the platform's top 15 most played games. This highlights the intense rivalry within the genre.