The current trajectory of the Diablo franchise is a source of deep frustration for the developer.
Recently, Moon Studios CEO Thomas Mahler decided to bring his project, No Rest for the Wicked, back into the spotlight.
He chose a provocative approach, taking aim at other major ARPG titles:
Attention, streamers! It’s common knowledge that in Diablo 4 or PoE2, anyone can look like a master. How about showing your audience some genuine mechanical skill instead? Give No Rest for the Wicked a try. Precise combat. No broken “meta builds.” No mindless button-mashing. The cooperative beta is officially live, and we’re offering a 30% discount on Steam. Stop playing it safe. It’s time to play… No Rest for the Wicked.
Former Blizzard President Mike Ybarra responded to the jab:
It’s not a very effective strategy to disparage other games just to promote your own. Let your work stand on its own merits. It’s been a while since I last played it, but I’m interested in jumping back in to see the progress you’ve made.
Thomas Mahler countered with a scathing critique of Blizzard’s management, arguing that executives have inflicted permanent damage on the Diablo legacy:
Let’s be honest, Mike: you were given the keys to Diablo, and you failed to show it proper respect. There was a time when Diablo truly represented something. Diablo 2 was a bona fide masterpiece that demonstrated the sheer potential of Western game development. Instead, you authorized the conversion of Diablo into a microtransaction-fueled slot machine where players are charged $65 for horse armor. Do you expect a thank you from the gaming community? Or is a dose of blunt criticism perhaps justified? It’s time for managers to stop self-congratulating after dismantling fan-favorite franchises and start accepting some personal accountability […]
[…] You were at the helm during the releases of Diablo Immortal and Diablo 4. That legacy is your responsibility. Both games have dealt irreparable damage to the Diablo identity we once loved. I assume that’s why you were let go—and now, Mike, you’re presiding over a company tied to the gambling industry. So, please, don’t lecture me on the principles of game design […]
Source: iXBT.games