Diablo 4 Was a Batman Arkham-Style Roguelite Initially

Diablo 4's initial design, as revealed by former Diablo 3 director Josh Mosqueira, was a far cry from the final product. The game was envisioned as a more action-oriented, permadeath-driven experience.

Diablo 4's Radical Redesign: From Roguelike to Action-RPG

Ambitious "Hades" Project Faced Significant Hurdles

According to a WIRED report citing Jason Schreier's book, Play Nice, Diablo 4's early development, codenamed "Hades," aimed for a complete departure from the series' established formula. Mosqueira, seeking to overcome the perceived shortcomings of Diablo 3, envisioned a game resembling a Batman: Arkham title, incorporating roguelike elements and an over-the-shoulder camera perspective. The combat was planned to be faster and more impactful. Crucially, permadeath would have been a core mechanic.

While Blizzard executives initially supported this bold direction, several challenges emerged. The ambitious co-op multiplayer features proved particularly problematic. Designers questioned the game's identity, with Julian Love noting the significant deviations from traditional Diablo gameplay. Ultimately, the team concluded that "Hades" was effectively a new IP, not a Diablo game.

Diablo 4's recent launch of its first major expansion, Vessel of Hatred, takes players to Nahantu in 1336, exploring Mephisto's machinations. [Link to review of Diablo 4 DLC]