Blizzard made the long-awaited Diablo 4 announcement at BlizzCon 2019, and though the game won’t be out anytime soon, we’ve still learnt lot of details about it- such as its blessed lack of an auction house. We learned other details about its actual design as well, and one of the most interesting pieces of info to emerge from Blizzard’s panel is that the game would feature a shared open world, essentially functioning as an MMORPG.
That, unsurprisingly, means that Diablo 4 won’t have an offline mode, and will require a persistent internet connection if you want to play it. Though you will be able to play solo, the game’s shared world and its integration of online activities – such as PvP, trading, and more – will mean that you’ll always need to be online regardless.
“There’s a large, seamless, connected, and shared space in the world, going down into dungeons, being able to group with your friends, trading and PvP,” Diablo 4’s lead designer Joe Shely told PC Gamer. “We feel that the best way to experience that is in a world that is online.”
Meanwhile, there’s some good news for those who will be playing the game on consoles (which I’m assuming will be the PS5 and Xbox Scarlett, since the game is supposed to be a ways off from launch). Diablo 4’s console versions will support two player local co-op, which, for a game like Diablo, is great news. Though one might wonder whether Blizzard will look into increasing that number from two.
Either way, stay tuned to GamingBolt for more news coming out of BlizzCon.