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Here are seven of the most interesting things I learned about Diablo’s history.

The game needed to be multiplayer, and, likeWarcraft, the gameplay had to unfold in real-time.

Neyrelle holding a Soulstone in Diablo 4

Neyrelle looking at a soulstone in Vessel of Hatred

The intense work schedule ended his marriage and strained his relationship with his daughters.

“Starblo” Diablo in Space?

But it was crisp.

The Butcher in Diablo 1

Fresh meat!

It had movement and [fun skills] and good pacing.

“Despite excitement from the team, the project was scrapped after the closure of Blizzard North.

With large-scale multiplayer towns and 3D graphics.

Image of Deckard Cain discussing Wirt in Diablo

You meet Wirt in Diablo, and later use his leg in Diablo 2

At the time, however, Blizzard North lacked the necessary technology to realize their ambitious vision.

Schreiers interviews with Blizzard staff reveal just how much World of Warcraft impacted the development of the Diablo series.

Its unprecedented success altered Blizzards trajectory forever, leaving an indelible mark on the companys priorities.

Cow Level

Diablo 2 was so successful it’s shadow loomed over Diablo 3 development

These rumors, however, were overly optimistic.

Additionally, Diablo 3s business model lacked the long-term revenue streams that Blizzard increasingly prioritized.

Jay Wilson, Diablo 3s game director, disagreed with the executives' stance.

Whimsyshire level in Diablo 3 full of rainbows and Unicorns

The more colorful art style of Diablo 3, which was parodied by the designers in this Whimsyshire level, is also discussed at length in the book.

“Did it make World of Warcraft money?

No, but it made more money than most things Blizzard makes,” he said.

Something that could have been avoided.

Diablo 3

Reaper of Souls completely changed Diablo 3 and improved it’s overall reception

Those same microtransactions that have reportedlymade the company over 1 billion since launch.

He sought to steer Diablo 4 away from the live-service model that was in development at the time.

His departure coincided with amassive wave of layoffs across Blizzard, marking a significant shift for the company.

Phil Spencer and Mike Ybarra with Activision Blizzard staff

Want to know more?

Jason Schreier on his new book The Rise, Fall, and Future Of Blizzard - The Diablo Podcast #65 - YouTube

Play Nice: The Rise, Fall, and Future of Blizzard Entertainment | $30 at Amazon

Diablo 4 Belial

Diablo from Diablo 3 cinematic

Diablo 4 gameplay with raining loot

Johanna Faries, Blizzard President

5 goblins sit atop treasure, text reads �Diablo 4 March of the Goblins March 04-11�

Diablo 4 Season 7 Season of the Witch

Promotional screenshot of characters from Zenless Zone Zero

A closeup shot of the MSI Claw 8 AI+�s ABXY buttons.

The Crew

Promotional screenshot of a superpowered football kick in Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road

Cyberpunk 2077 benchmark running on MSI Claw 8 AI+.

Razer�s Minecraft collection in retail boxes

Call of Duty: Warzone returns to its roots with Verdansk map for Season 3.

ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 (2025)

Witchbrook first look screenshots.

Minecraft�s new key art.

Inspecting the Kilo 141 in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6