Players have been immersing themselves in Diablo 4 for the past week, spending countless hours exploring the extensive amount of engaging content and experiencing the satisfying gameplay loop. The latest installment in the franchise has exceeded expectations and is shaping up to be the best Diablo game in years, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what Blizzard has in store for the future of the title. Although season one is on the horizon, the studio has big plans for post-launch content that is expected to inject new life into Diablo 4. While the details of these plans are still under wraps, Blizzard has confirmed that it is working on two expansions. The success of these expansions will be crucial for the longevity of the game, as Blizzard needs to deliver on its promises and avoid the pitfalls of Diablo 3's less-than-stellar post-launch content.
Diablo 3 Lacked Post-Launch Content
The initial release of Diablo 3 left many fans feeling unfulfilled due to its controversial always-on DRM, cartoonish art style, and streamlined systems. Additionally, the story did not live up to the standards set by previous Diablo titles. However, the game's core gameplay remained enjoyable. Despite Blizzard's attempts at post-launch content, the game failed to improve significantly. It wasn't until the release of Reaper of Souls, the game's first major expansion two years later, that fans finally received the improvements they had been hoping for. With the addition of a new story act, the Crusader class, a raised level cap, and a plethora of new abilities, Reaper of Souls garnered praise for its darker tone and successfully re-engaged many players.
The release of Rise of the Necromancer as a DLC pack following Reaper of Souls disappointed some Diablo fans who were expecting another major expansion from Blizzard. However, while the DLC pack did add the Necromancer class along with new rifts and bounties, it fell short in terms of expanding upon Diablo 3. As a result, the Rise of the Necromancer was considered by many to be a lackluster final DLC pack for the game.
Diablo 4 Needs to Make Up for Diablo 3
Blizzard's track record with Diablo 3's DLC packs leaves much to be desired, with only two packs released, one of which was simply a new class. The release schedule was also sporadic, resulting in a lackluster stream of post-launch content. With Diablo 4 launching in a stronger position, it's crucial for Blizzard to avoid the same mistakes and focus on building upon the foundation they've established.
With two expansions already in the works and seasonal updates on the horizon, Blizzard is committed to providing players with a wealth of new content for Diablo 4. The game's expansive world provides endless possibilities for exciting additions, and players can look forward to many years of immersive gameplay. Blizzard's track record with World of Warcraft proves that they have the expertise to keep a game fresh and engaging for an extended period, and there's no reason why Diablo 4 won't enjoy the same longevity. The game is available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
