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 ambitious goals. Their independent studio, Moon Beast Productions, secured $4.5 million in funding to develop a game that aims to "revolutionize" the genre by breaking away from established design conventions. Given the team's pedigree, including veterans from the first two Diablo games, there's considerable anticipation for their project.

Phil Shenk, Peter Hu, and Erich Schaefer, the founders of Moon Beast Productions, intend to reimagine the hack-and-slash experience. Their vision is a more open and dynamic ARPG, a departure from the formula that has dominated the market for over two decades, while simultaneously aiming to recapture the essence of the original Diablo games.

While details about the game remain scarce, the involvement of such experienced developers suggests significant potential. However, the ARPG market is highly competitive. The recent success of Diablo IV's "Vessel of Hatred" expansion and the immense popularity of Diablo IV itself present a substantial challenge. Furthermore, other established titles, such as the recently released Path of Exile 2, which boasts a record-breaking player count on Steam, are also vying for players' attention. Breaking into this crowded market will require a truly innovative and compelling product.