The fantasy RPG by Blizzard was released back in 2000 after the success of the first Diablo title. It featured a much more engaging combat system, complete with an engrossing plot and a world that seemed to just suck you in. Not to mention, it was one of the first titles ever released that you could potentially play forever. Since the release of the dungeon crawler, many games have tried to copy its formula in hopes of replicating its success. However, not even its sequel, Diablo 3 and Diablo Immortal, could hold a candle to it. With that said, after months of waiting, Blizzard has finally confirmed that the game is in the works. Scroll down below to find out everything we know so far about the rumored Diablo 2 Remake named Diablo 2: Resurrected.
Why Is a Diablo 2 Remake So Important?
Diablo 2 was arguably the biggest game of the 2000s. It was a follow-up to 1996’s Diablo title, but with a bigger in-game world, more dungeons to replay through, and far more character classes to choose from. It also featured a neat tie-up with the previous title. In Diablo 2, the previous protagonist, who had successfully defeated the Lord of Terror, Diablo, after venturing deep into the basements of Tristram, had become corrupted by Diablo himself. It is then now up to the hero of Diablo 2 to put a stop to Diablo before literally, all hell breaks loose. More than its intriguing plot and ever-expanding lore, Diablo 2 very much perfected the dungeon crawling formula for an isometric action-RPG title. It challenged players and rewarded them accordingly via its loot system. Players also had far more reasons to play through the game again outside of just finding more loot and trying out higher difficulties as it gave players multiple character classes to try. It was, however, perhaps the multiplayer component of Diablo 2 that served as its biggest impact. Diablo 2 helped cement Battle.net as the go-to service back then, and, to this day, people continue to play Diablo 2 online. Because of how well-loved Diablo 2 is, it only makes sense for a game this iconic and timeless to finally get a remake.
Which Studio is Working on the Diablo 2 Remake?
Back in May of 2020, French gaming website, Actugaming, published a report on Vicarious Visions helming the Diablo 2 Remake project. However, after this news made rounds for a couple of days, nothing was heard of about the rumored project until recently. On January 22, fans of the Activision Blizzard subsidiary were shocked that the studio was being relegated from the lead developer of Activision titles to a supporting studio for Blizzard Entertainment titles. In addition to being rumored to help the Diablo 2 Remake, Vicarious Visions have had a couple of successes in the past. This is headlined by their works on Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2, as well as Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, both of which are remakes of classic titles. But, Jason Schreier of Bloomberg later eased concerns. Apparently, the reason for the move was to make way for the development studio to provide the necessary support on some of Blizzard’s upcoming titles. This includes Diablo 4, Overwatch 2, and, the long-rumored Diablo 2 remake. This is following the disaster of a remake that was Blizzard Team 1 and Warcraft 3: Reforged, which forced Activision Blizzard to dismantle Blizzard Team 1. Technically, Vicarious Visions aren’t taking the lead on the Diablo 2 Remake. Instead, they will provide Blizzard Team 3 with the necessary support as they focus more on finishing Diablo 4 to make sure that it is ready to ship out as soon as possible.
When Will the Diablo 2 Remake Release?
Following the numerous rumors and leaks ahead of BlizzCon 2021, the Diablo 2 remake is now finally official. With that said, we also have a release date for Diablo II: Resurrected. The Diablo 2 remake is expected to release on or before December 2021, although Blizzard wasn’t exactly specific on which day the game will release. But, if it’s any consolation, players with a Battle.net account can opt-in for the technical Alpha phase for a chance to get in and play the game way before everyone else can. Unlike the original Diablo II title, the remake will be available on more platforms. Diablo II: Resurrected will be available for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S/X, as well as the Nintendo Switch, and PC. For more information about Diablo II: Resurrected, be sure to check out our earlier coverage, which includes information about the purchase price, hardware specifications, and so much more.
