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, developed by veterans of both titles, 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, aiming to break free from conventional design patterns. The team, comprised of experienced developers from Diablo I and II, intends to revitalize the hack-and-slash genre. Their vision is to create a more open and dynamic ARPG experience, drawing inspiration from the defining characteristics of the early Diablo games.

While details about the game remain scarce, the involvement of such a talented team suggests a high probability of creating a top-tier action RPG. However, the ARPG market is fiercely competitive, presenting a significant challenge. The recent success of Diablo IV's "Vessel of Hatred" expansion, along with the enduring popularity of Diablo itself, signifies a formidable hurdle for any newcomer.

Further complicating matters is the presence of other successful ARPGs like Path of Exile 2. Path of Exile 2's recent launch on Steam was a resounding success, achieving a peak player count exceeding 538,000, ranking it among the platform's most popular games. This highlights the intense competition within the genre.