Diablo 3 enthusiasts are sticking with their beloved game, even as Blizzard attempts to attract players with the in-game purchases, seasonal content, and expansions in Diablo 4.
Launched in 2012, Diablo 3 has delivered over a decade of engaging loot-grinding gameplay. In contrast, Diablo 4, the eagerly awaited successor, debuted in June 2023. Yet, sentimentality for the original title remains strong.
Despite the impressive marketing campaigns and ongoing updates, Diablo 4 is struggling to pull players away from its 12-year-old counterpart. According to Blizzard’s own statistics, Diablo 3 boasts a dedicated player base of approximately 3 million active users. In comparison, Diablo 4 has around 4 million players, indicating that there hasn’t been a significant player migration.
In an interview with VGC, Rod Fergusson, Blizzard’s General Manager, remains unfazed. He reassured fans that the company’s intention is not to push players away from Diablo 3.
“One thing you’ll notice about Blizzard is that we don’t typically shut down our games,” Fergusson stated. He also highlighted the company’s dedication to supporting its titles for the long term. If you’ve been enjoying Diablo 3 for over a decade, this is likely reassuring news.
However, Fergusson is clear about the company’s desire for players to make the transition. Diablo 4’s shop, battle pass, and expansions present significant potential for revenue generation.
If the rumors hold true, the latest installment in the franchise has reportedly garnered millions through microtransactions. Yet, Fergusson emphasized, “We’re not trying to force players to migrate from Diablo 3.”
Looking ahead, Blizzard has ambitious plans for Diablo 4 with its first expansion, Vessel of Hatred, set to release this October. However, Fergusson quickly dismissed notions of a yearly expansion process amid speculation.
Whether Diablo 4 will succeed in attracting hesitant players remains to be seen, as Diablo 3 continues to thrive, making it clear that fans are not ready to move on quite yet.
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