It sounds like Diablo 4 is set for annual expansions, based on comments from its chief developer.
In an interview with Dexerto, Diablo 4 boss Rod Fergusson mentioned “quarterly seasons” and “annual expansions” as the focus for the action role-playing game’s live service.
“When you look at the launch of the game and this first season, we see that as building a foundation on which we can build for the future,” Fergusson said.
“So, as we look at our quarterly seasons, and we look at our annual expansions, those are the things that we’re really focused on for our live service.
“We’ve got plans, we have storylines that go well into the future. We’ve got plans. We’re always leapfrogging our seasons, and leapfrogging our expansions, so it’s something we are going to do for a long time. We’re excited.”
Annual expansions supported by quarterly seasons is the live service model employed by Destiny developer Bungie, which has maintained the popularity of Destiny 2 to a high enough level to support a live service for over six years now.
Diablo 4 enjoyed a huge launch in June, becoming Blizzard’s fastest-selling game of all time. Season 1 has had its problems, however, including a disastrous patch that forced a U-turn from Blizzard. Season 2, dubbed Season of Blood, launches October 17 and adds a Vampire Hunter companion called Erys.
Story wise, Blizzard has said Diablo 4 seasons are reserved for quests that take place alongside the main events of the game, leaving expansions to move the plot on from the end. Ever since launch, players have tried to work out where the Diablo 4 story will head next, based on a number of secret post-credits endings that tease the return of one of the series’ most famous villains and perhaps a new big bad.
Assuming Diablo 4 will see an expansion in 2024, perhaps Blizzard will unveil it at BlizzCon this November.
In IGN’s 9/10 review we described Diablo 4 as “a stunning sequel with near perfect endgame and progression design that makes it absolutely excruciating to put down”. Be sure to use our interactive map to keep track of your progress as you play.
Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at [email protected] or confidentially at [email protected].
