Former Diablo and Diablo II developers are creating a new, low-budget action RPG with the ambition to redefine the genre. Given the success of the original Diablo games, this new ARPG, developed by veterans of both titles, has significant potential.
Moon Beast Productions, an independent studio founded by Phil Shenk, Peter Hu, and Erich Schaefer, secured $4.5 million in funding to develop this innovative ARPG. Their goal is to transcend conventional ARPG design, aiming to revolutionize the hack-and-slash experience. The team, boasting over 20 years of experience, seeks to recapture the essence of the early Diablo games while introducing a more open and dynamic gameplay experience.
Details about the game remain scarce, but the involvement of such highly experienced developers suggests a strong possibility of creating a top-tier action RPG. However, success won't be guaranteed. The market is fiercely competitive, with established giants like Diablo IV (and its successful "Vessel of Hatred" expansion) commanding a loyal fanbase.
Further complicating matters is the recent triumph of Path of Exile 2. Its Steam launch saw a peak player count exceeding 538,000, placing it among the platform's top 15 most played games. This highlights the considerable challenge facing Moon Beast Productions in establishing their new ARPG within this crowded and highly successful genre.