Highlights
Despite its title, the Season of the Malignant in Diablo 4 failed to captivate players, mainly due to the implementation of nerfs that dampened the overall experience.While Blizzard has ambitious intentions to invigorate Diablo 4 through the introduction of expansion packs, the outcome of these endeavors remains uncertain.
To maintain player interest, Blizzard must release frequent and impactful expansion packs for Diablo 4, featuring new classes and captivating storylines. Failing to do so may result in a significant loss of players. Despite the launch of its post-release content, specifically the Season of the Malignant, Blizzard's efforts have left the player base underwhelmed. The game's mechanics have been significantly weakened and the overall content fails to impress. Diablo 4's seasonal model needs a stronger foundation, but hopefully, the studio's upcoming plans will address this issue.
Diablo 4's Post-Launch Content Needs to Be Stronger Than Diablo 3's
Blizzard's content plans for Diablo 4 extend far beyond just its seasons. While these seasons will play a vital role in shaping the game's future, the studio has ambitious plans to release multiple expansion packs in the coming years. These packs aim to introduce exciting and innovative elements to Diablo 4. However, after the underwhelming post-launch content of Diablo 3 and a lackluster first season for Diablo 4, Blizzard will need to go above and beyond to rekindle fans' interest in the game's future.
The first expansion pack for Diablo 4 has not yet been revealed by Blizzard, but it is expected to make its appearance soon. These expansion packs typically bring significant changes to the game, introduce captivating story developments, and may even introduce new character classes. All previous Diablo games have received this treatment, although the handling of expansion packs in Diablo 4's predecessor may have been less than ideal.
Diablo 3, released in 2012, received positive reviews and achieved commercial success for the studio. However, it was not until 2014 that the game's first expansion, Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls, became available. This expansion introduced new content such as a brand-new campaign, the Crusader class, and significant gameplay changes. It also implemented the seasonal model, which has been adopted by Diablo 4, and contributed to redefining the series. Despite these improvements, the release of post-launch content seemed to come to a halt.
Although Diablo 3 had multiple seasons that provided players with unique rewards, the second DLC pack was not released until 2017. This DLC pack, titled Rise of the Necromancer, solely introduced the Necromancer class without any new storyline or significant game-altering features. This release was not exactly what fans had hoped for after three years of waiting.
Diablo 3: Rise of the Necromancer signaled the end of Diablo 3's post-launch DLC packs, shifting the studio's focus to Diablo 4. This left players feeling unsatisfied with the limited content updates, consisting of one major expansion followed by a $15 class release, with lengthy gaps in between. The approach seemed odd for maintaining interest in the ARPG, and hopefully Blizzard acknowledges this.
Although Diablo 4's first expansion remains undisclosed, Blizzard has confirmed that they are currently developing two expansions for the game. These expansions must be substantial and released in closer succession. Players require incentives to continue engaging with the game, and introducing fresh narrative experiences and new character classes is among the most effective approaches. If the studio persists with underwhelming seasons akin to Diablo 3's DLC model, it is possible that players will completely abandon the game.
Diablo 4 is currently considered one of the most outstanding installments in the series, and it is crucial that its post-launch content be able to match its reputation. Unfortunately, the Season of the Malignant has not provided the ideal start, but there is hope for redemption through the release of expansion packs. It is essential that Blizzard ensures these DLC packs offer substantial value for their cost, as this will determine the longevity of Diablo 4 for years to come.
Diablo 4 can be enjoyed on various platforms, including PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
