Despite the controversy surrounding Diablo Immortal, the game has proven to be a major success for Blizzard. It has had the largest launch in the history of the franchise and was reported to be generating over $1 million per day in revenue during its initial months. However, the future of Diablo Immortal is uncertain.
While it has achieved significant success and garnered a dedicated player base, the impending release of Diablo 4 raises questions about the longevity of Diablo Immortal. As players eagerly anticipate the next installment in the mainline series, the lifespan of the mobile game is uncertain. Mobile games often have a short lifespan, and it is likely that Blizzard's action role-playing game will follow suit. Although there is still some life left in it, it may not be enough to sustain the game for much longer.
Diablo Immortal's Days Were Numbered from the Start
The unveiling of Diablo Immortal was met with heavy backlash from the fanbase, who had been eagerly awaiting a return to the beloved classic Diablo experience after six years since the release of Diablo 3. However, instead of delivering on these expectations, Blizzard chose to announce the game's first mobile title at BlizzCon 2018, a decision that was poorly received and continues to be ridiculed and criticized even in 2023 with the infamous "Do you guys not have phones?" meme.
Not only did the announcement of Diablo Immortal receive a negative response, but the release of the game also confirmed the doubts and concerns of many. Players quickly discovered that in order to fully equip their characters, they would have to spend a staggering amount of over $100,000. These microtransactions became integral to the gameplay experience, constantly pushing players towards the in-game store. Although Diablo Immortal may have resembled a mobile version of Diablo 3, it was ultimately these transactions that sealed the fate of the game for many disappointed fans.
to the game.
Additionally, the release of Diablo 4 has overshadowed the ongoing popularity of Diablo Immortal. Players who were previously invested in the mobile game have now shifted their focus to the new installment. With the excitement and positive reception surrounding Diablo 4, the player base for Diablo Immortal has inevitably dwindled.
Furthermore, Blizzard's attention and resources are now primarily directed towards Diablo 4. As the company continues to develop and improve the mainline title, the support and updates for Diablo Immortal may become less frequent and substantial. This shift in focus signifies that the lifespan of Diablo Immortal may be limited.
While Diablo Immortal had its moment of success, it is clear that Diablo 4 has taken the spotlight and captured the attention of both new and existing fans. With its impressive sales figures and ongoing growth, Diablo 4 has solidified its position as the future of the franchise, leaving Diablo Immortal's future uncertain.
The future of Diablo Immortal appears uncertain due to the deteriorating relationship between NetEase and Blizzard. NetEase, who assisted in the development of the game, has recently severed ties with Blizzard, leading to the suspension of Blizzard's operations in mainland China. As a result, popular games like World of Warcraft, Hearthstone, and Overwatch are no longer playable in China. However, Diablo Immortal remains unaffected as it operates under a separate agreement. The animosity between the two studios has escalated to the point where NetEase filed a $45 million lawsuit against Blizzard in April. Additionally, employees of NetEase took their frustration to the extreme by filming themselves destroying a World of Warcraft statue. Unless a significant change occurs in the near future, it is likely that the partnership between NetEase and Blizzard will dissolve, resulting in the demise of Diablo Immortal.
Diablo Immortal is available now on mobile and PC.