Blizzard Drops Major 'Diablo 4' Updates On Gameplay, Open-World And Side Content

Gaming studio Blizzard shared a handful of details about “Diablo 4” during its most recent quarterly update. The new set of information gave PC, PS4, Xbox One, PS5 and Xbox Series X players a sneak peek of what to look forward to in the upcoming “Diablo” installment.

The latest update was revealed by Game Director Luis Barriga, who broke down real-time cutscenes, screenshots, open-world elements and updates on the game's progress.

“Diablo 4” Gameplay

There are conversations in “Diablo 4” that are noticeably different from “Diablo 3.” Blizzard shared on its blog that the development team is using a mix of tool-generated and mechanically-choreographed cameras for its gameplay. During basic NPC interactions, the camera is at a closer focus but in an isometric perspective paired with a list of animations.

On the other hand, for salient and more complicated conversations, the team used the same camera approach but character movements and animations are deliberately hand-crafted and are less generic.

Blizzard more likely used a more cinematic camera for “Diablo 4’ s ” real-time cutscenes. However, the gaming studio clarified that real-time cutscenes would only be used in the most crucial story moments of the upcoming title.

“Diablo 4” Open-World

The gaming studio also discussed changes made in the game’s open-world based on players’ feedback. It also noted that the content and the open-world elements add a significant amount to the game's playtime. Players who are more engaged in the side content and open-world would take twice the amount of time compared to those who are focused on the central story per region, Blizzard said in the same statement.

In terms of side content, Blizzard said that based on “Diablo 4’ s” play test, Camps is one of the most well-received elements of the open-world. It noted that Camps are locations in the game that were overrun by enemies.

When cleansed, it could transform into friendly outposts with NPCs. Each camp comes with a backstory but most of the storytelling is visual, the studio revealed. Blizzard added that quests in “Diablo 4” do not send players directly to Camps.

“ Diablo 4” Release Details

Blizzard confirmed that the much-awaited title is still on its “very early stages” of development. It added that the game is not in its Alpha phase yet. The gaming studio assured fans that it would release more details about “Diablo 4” in the latter part of 2020.