Diablo Creator Talks MMO Elements and How He Might Have Chosen Differently

David Brevik, the creative force behind the groundbreaking Diablo series, is stepping back into the spotlight this week. Fans eagerly anticipate his full interview with Videogamer, but a few tantalizing snippets have already been shared, sparking conversation across the gaming community. Brevik didn’t hold back on his criticism of today’s ARPGs and MMOs, lamenting their shifts towards fast-paced, immediate rewards, and remarking, “You’ve cheapened the whole experience.”

The insight into his thought process doesn’t stop there. Brevik opened up about his original plans for Diablo 3, back before he left Blizzard. Some of these early ideas eerily echo elements found in Diablo 4, especially those with MMO influences. Yet he emphasized that his vision would’ve charted a different course.

“It ends up being different; I would have made different decisions than they made,” Brevik shared. “The way they approach itemization and character development diverged from what I was envisioning.”

He also highlighted a focus on incorporating social aspects within the game, a theme he feels is crucial in MMOs. “I think that one of the essential parts of an MMO is the social interaction,” said Brevik. “Game design that promotes player connections is something I would have emphasized more heavily.”

Revisiting the origins of Diablo 3 gives us a sense of deja vu. The latest entry in the series, Diablo 4, features concepts that seem to have evolved from its predecessor’s early stages. A playful mock-up in Diablo 3, like its whimsical Whimsyshire level, underscores the dramatic transformation the project underwent.

In Jason Schreier’s compelling book, “Play Nice: The Rise and Fall of Blizzard,” further insight into Diablo 3’s grand ambitions is uncovered. Brevik had initially envisioned it as a full-fledged MMORPG, drawing heavy inspiration from classics like Ultima Online. The idea was a dynamic world filled with lively multiplayer towns where crowds of players could gather and embark on their quests.

However, Blizzard North faced hurdles bringing this vision to life. With Blizzard’s primary focus shifting due to the astronomical success of World of Warcraft, resources were diverted, leading to a scaled-down version of Diablo 3.

Discussing this during the interview, Brevik said the game wasn’t just about being an MMO. Instead, it combined Diablo’s traditional action RPG elements with MMO characteristics—players exploring a world, encountering others, and forming groups. His analogy likened it to a fusion of World of Warcraft’s vastness with Diablo’s grim intensity. Even with these ambitions, Brevik admitted he wouldn’t pursue such a game today.

So, where is David Brevik now? Following his departure from Blizzard amidst its acquisition by Vivendi and the subsequent closure of Blizzard North, Brevik founded Skystone Games. This indie-focused publishing company aims to support and elevate the work of emerging developers. For those eager to dive deeper into Brevik’s thoughts, the full interview will be available on the VideoGamer podcast on Spotify later this week. Be sure to tune in to catch all the in-depth discussions and insights.