Leadership changes and departures in the wake of ongoing sexual harassment scandals at Activision/Blizzard, and already extended game delays, have done a lot to impact the company’s release schedule.Diablo Immortalhas now been affected as well, with its recent delay into 2022. This was already disheartening news for fans looking forward to the series' first mobile foray, but it’s likely going to impact the already long wait forDiablo 4too.
The mobile game already had a divisive announcement, as many longtime fans were disappointed to see the franchise move into the mobile space. Mobile games have a contentious relationship with more traditional video game players, so seeing the beloved franchise go into that market got a big reaction. Now that many have been able to play throughDiablo Immortal’s alpha experience, more positive reviews have started to surface. This was part of why the announcement ofDiablo Immortalbeing delayedwas so disheartening, and gave many fans pause about what it could mean forDiablo 4.
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For the first time in the history of the franchise, there are multipleDiabloproperties on the horizon. The franchise has historically only included the mainline entries, and even the characters fromDiablostayed away from guest appearances of any kind untilHeroes of the Storm. But as of this writing,Diablo 2: Resurrectedis in open betaand set to release on September 23. Also in Blizzard’s pocket is the now-delayedDiablo Immortaland the long awaitedDiablo 4. This is a big first for the franchise, and for Blizzard itself, and it’s a big factor in why the delay ofImmortallikely points to a further delay forDiablo 4.
Despite each of the three titles appealing to different niches of the fandom, they are aimed at the same group of fans and potential newcomers. It was already likely thatDiablo 4would be releasing well afterDiablo 2:Resurrectedin order to give each title room to breath. While the former is a remaster of a classic game and not a new title, it’s likely to still pull a lot of veteran fans alongside those who might haveentered the franchise withDiablo 3. The same is likely true forDiablo Immortal.
Despite being on a separate platform from the core market forDiablogames, Blizzard probably wanted to giveImmortalenough time to shine on its own merits. When it does release it will technically be the most modernDiablotitle available, and theshakeup withDiabloin generalwill most likely point to an extension of Blizzard’s long-term goals.
WithDiablo Immortalpushed into early 2022, it’s unlikely that fans will be able to get their hands onDiablo 4until at least holiday season of that year. While there’s surely development underway forDiablo 4, much of a potential delay could come from following a release schedule that Blizzard has in mind. It’s worth noting that this is conjecture, and separate teams were working on each property, so the delay ofImmortalcould theoretically have no impact onDiablo 4. While this is not what fans want to hear, especially with such a derth of information on any plans for releasingDiablo 4, a delay is the most realistic possibility. Luckily,the remasteredDiablo 2is still scheduled to release soon, and should help scratch the dungeon-looting itch for fans.
Diablo Immortalis set to release in early 2022 for Android and iOS.
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