Ex-Diablo devs are working on a new ARPG to innovate the genre

Former Diablo and Diablo II developers are creating a new, low-budget action RPG with the ambition to redefine the genre. Given the success of the original Diablo games, this new ARPG from veteran developers has significant potential.

Moon Beast Productions, an independent studio founded by Phil Shenk, Peter Hu, and Erich Schaefer, secured $4.5 million in funding to develop this innovative ARPG. Their goal is to break away from established design conventions and revitalize the hack-and-slash experience. The team, comprised of individuals who worked on the first two Diablo games, aims to create a more open and dynamic ARPG, harkening back to what made the original Diablo games so compelling.

Details about the game remain scarce, but the involvement of highly experienced developers suggests a strong possibility of creating a top-tier action RPG. However, the ARPG market is highly competitive, presenting a significant challenge. The recent success of Diablo IV's "Vessel of Hatred" expansion, along with the immense popularity of Diablo IV itself, creates a formidable hurdle for newcomers.

Furthermore, established competitors like Path of Exile 2 pose a substantial threat. Path of Exile 2's recent launch achieved a remarkable peak player count of over 538,000 on Steam, highlighting the intense competition in the genre. Breaking into this saturated market will require a truly innovative and compelling game.