Blizzard commits to ongoing Diablo 4 support post-Diablo 5 release.

At this year’s BlizzCon, Blizzard unveiled its ambitious roadmap for the future. Among the highlights was the first trailer for a new StarCraft game set to launch in 2030. But that wasn’t all; the team also teased a new Diablo installment with a cinematic preview and a release date slated for 2029. The glimpse of Diablo 5 showcases a world in ruins, where hordes of demons are brutally attacking angels in Sanctuary, leaving the remaining humans to bow before the Lord of Terror. This new chapter unfolds about a century after its predecessor.

While the trailer generated excitement, some Diablo fans expressed concerns about the announcement, fearing it might signal a lack of long-term support for Diablo 4. Released in 2023, Diablo 4 arrived roughly 11 years after its predecessor, and there’s been speculation that the early reveal of Diablo 5 is linked to recent layoffs and changes at Xbox.

In response to these worries, game director Brent Gibson reassured players that as long as the community continues to support Diablo 4, Blizzard will keep rolling out new seasons, even after Diablo 5 launches. For reference, both Diablo 2 and 3 still receive ongoing support in this manner.

When asked if Diablo 4 would be sidelined due to the announcement of Diablo 5, Gibson offered an analogy: “If you’re wearing a sign in the middle of Times Square saying, ‘The end is nigh,’ the end is not nigh. We have a lot coming. We have Amazon coming down the road. The train isn’t stopping. One of the things I love about our world is we are not just a series of games; we are a universe. We’re even adding to Diablo 2 with the Warlock. It’s one of the few franchises where we have the luxury of continued play, and we know our communities. If you’re worried, don’t sweat it. Because we’re going to be making content for a long time. But we are excited about Diablo 5. We got a show coming. Gone are the years of waiting a decade for more content. It’s a great place to be.”

Gibson confirmed that Blizzard is committed to supporting Diablo 4, stating, “We are planning on supporting seasons as long as the community continues to show up for D4. Similar to what we have in D2 and D3. There are still people who play those games, and as long as you’re showing up, we’re going to continue to be making content.”

Overall, long-time fans have had a mixed relationship with Diablo 4. While critics have praised the base game and its DLC, it currently holds a 73% positive rating on Steam, with many players voicing dissatisfaction over the always-online requirement, the core gameplay loop, and the fact that certain skills are locked behind relatively pricey expansions. Whether this mixed reception influenced Blizzard’s decision to fast-track Diablo 5 remains uncertain, but it’s clear that some fans will have strong opinions about the direction taken.

This loot-driven RPG is also on sale.