Ex-Diablo devs are working on a new ARPG to innovate the genre

Former Diablo and Diablo II developers are creating a new, low-budget action RPG with ambitious goals. Their independent studio, Moon Beast Productions, founded by Phil Shenk, Peter Hu, and Erich Schaefer, secured $4.5 million in funding to develop a game that aims to "transcend the genre's established conventions." Given the team's experience with the iconic Diablo franchise, expectations are high.

The team, comprised of veterans from Diablo I and II, intends to revitalize the hack-and-slash genre, focusing on creating a more open and dynamic experience. They aim to recapture the essence of the original Diablo games, a goal that resonates with many fans.

While details about the game remain scarce, the involvement of such experienced developers suggests significant potential. However, the ARPG market is fiercely competitive. The recent success of Diablo IV's "Vessel of Hatred" expansion and the overwhelmingly positive reception of Path of Exile 2, which boasts a record-breaking Steam peak player count exceeding 538,000, highlight the challenges ahead. Breaking through in such a crowded market will require a truly innovative and compelling product.