Path of Exile Co-Creator Criticizes Blizzard Following Diablo V Announcement

Chris Wilson felt sorry for Diablo IV.

Path of Exile co-creator Chris Wilson sharply criticized Blizzard Entertainment following the announcement of Diablo VI. According to the developer, the decision to stop releasing major expansions for Diablo IV indicates that the studio is gradually winding down active work on the current game and handing it over to a small team that will focus primarily on maintenance.

Wilson was particularly displeased by the 30th anniversary of the Diablo series and the accompanying content named Season of Hell’s Legacy. The developer specifically drew attention to the return of Deckard Cain, who according to canon died, as well as the appearance of all Prime Evils as part of a side activity. In Wilson’s view, this treatment of characters and events disrupts the cause-and-effect relationships of the story and shows disrespect for the world of the main game.

Wilson also disliked how the antagonist itself was presented during the anniversary event. Addressing the character as the “birthday boy,” according to the developer, does not mix well with the dark atmosphere traditionally inherent in the Diablo series.

At the same time, Wilson spoke positively about the visual direction of Diablo V. His main complaints concerned not the appearance of the upcoming game, but Blizzard’s approach to the development of Diablo IV, as well as the use of its universe and characters within the anniversary content.