‘Diablo Immortal’ will offer six character types to start with: Crusader (pictured), Barbarian, Demon Hunter, Monk, Necromancer, and Wizard. Image: Blizzard Entertainment via AFP Relaxnews
As well as “Diablo Immortal”, a mobile version of classic action franchise “Diablo”, video game developer Blizzard announced new content for “Overwatch”, “Hearthstone” and “Warcraft” at Blizzcon 2018, while “Destiny 2” goes free until Nov. 18.
Blizzard’s annual fan convention Blizzcon took place over Friday, Nov. 2 and Saturday, Nov. 3, with major announcements touching on several core studio franchises in “Diablo”, “Overwatch”, “Hearthstone” and “Warcraft”.
A new iteration of “Diablo”, the legendary action-role playing game franchise had been highly anticipated, though its mobile format was something of a surprise for a community used to playing on computers and, through 2013’s “Diablo III” on console.
Chinese internet firm Netease, already a domestic partner for several other Blizzard titles, has been involved in the development of “Diablo Immortal”, which promises a faithful continuation of the “Diablo” formula.
Previous games have had players descend, level by level, into an underworld crammed with all manner of monsters, treasures and equipment, ending with a powerful evil demon that must be slain.
“Diablo 3” embraced a portable format through a Nov. 2 release for Nintendo Switch and “Diablo Immortal” will continue down the same path.
However, depite the mobile format, players will need to have an online connection due to a massively multiplayer element present in the new title.
A release date for the iOS and Android game is yet to be announced.
Additional Blizzcon 2018 announcements included “Warcraft III: Reforged”, a 2019 remake of the 2002 strategy classic that became a “Dota 2” and “League of Legends” precursor; Ashe, a new character for team action game “Overwatch”, as well as a Kellogg’s cereal tie-in called Luci-oh’s for December; and an expansion called “Rastakhan’s Rumble” for digital card game “Hearthstone” on Dec. 4.
A major content update for “World of Warcraft”, Tides of Vengeance, is due Dec. 11, while retro remake “World of Warcraft Classic” was set for mid-2019.
Meanwhile, Blizzard’s sister company, video game publisher Activision, timed a free giveaway of sci-fi shooter “Destiny 2” on PC to coincide with Blizzcon. Available through Battle.net, the offer lasts until Nov. 18. JB
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