During BlizzCon 2023, Blizzard Entertainment revealed the future of Diablo 4 with the announcement of a new expansion: Vessel of Hatred. This expansion will not only expand upon the events of the main campaign, but also introduce a new class to the game’s roster, something that has never been seen before in the Diablo universe.
Interviews with the core development team for Diablo 4 revealed insights into the various production cycles and plans for delivering content and updates to the game. Lead producer Kaydie Calder discussed the challenges of working on the live game, seasons, and expansion simultaneously and ensuring that the team is able to make sustainable changes to the game.
However, the Season of the Malignant update was met with criticism from players due to rebalancing of classes like the Sorcerer and lackluster endgame rewards. Players also expressed frustration at the absence of quality-of-life features in the game, such as a storage tab for gems. The development team has acknowledged this feedback and is dedicated to making changes in subsequent updates and expansions.
Brent Gibson, Associate Game Director on Diablo 4, emphasized the importance of community feedback in shaping the game’s development. He assured players that the team is constantly evaluating what the community wants and that feedback will influence the development of the Vessel of Hatred expansion.
Calder and Gibson also discussed the development process for the expansion, pointing out that the team immediately began working on adjustments and changes based on player feedback from the live game. They expressed their commitment to evolving the game and supporting Diablo 4 for years to come.
Gibson also highlighted the significance of the Vessel of Hatred expansion, noting that it will allow the team to explore new story elements and locations. The expansion promises to continue the narrative that ended on a cliffhanger in the base game and take players to familiar yet unexplored regions of the Diablo universe.
Both developers expressed their excitement for the opportunity to introduce a new class in the expansion, emphasizing the responsibility of adding new ways to play for the dedicated player base. They also teased the new location and class, promising a different and unique experience for Diablo 4 players.
With the Vessel of Hatred expansion set for release in 2024, fans of Diablo 4 have much to look forward to in the future of the game.