Blizzard just released the first new major Diablo 2 expansion in 25 years, and more content could be on the way...but it really depends on whether or not Reign of the Warlock is purchased and played by a portion of D2 fans.
Yesterday, Blizzard surprised everyone by releasing a new Diablo 2 expansion that adds a brand new character--the Warlock. The new expansion is called Reign of the Warlock, sells for $25, and makes some major quality-of-life improvements to the game--these changes are so dramatic that the new expansion is essentially a kind of "director's cut" of D2R, mimicking the format seen in games like Death Stranding.
Popular Now: G.Skill replaces a $150 RAM kit now selling for $1,199, earning a customer for life in the processWhile Reign of the Warlock is still brand new, Blizzard hints that it could make even more Diablo 2 expansions...but it's up to gamers whether or not that happens. This is ultimately true for all products in the interactive space--if something sells really well, companies usually want more of it.
In a recent interview with Eurogamer, Reign of the Warlock lead producer Matthew Cederquist outlined the situation at the D2 legacy team. Cederquist also explains why RotW was even made--it turns out that Diablo 2 still has many millions of players worldwide. This makes sense, considering D2R recently launched in China back in August, with region-specific unlockables and bonuses, no less.
"We still have millions of people who play Diablo 2. Millions of them.
"We saw the 30th anniversary of the franchise itself as a really great opportunity to surprise and delight.
"I don't think anyone expects a new class and all these features in Diablo 2, and I think that's going to be a moment that's like, 'I'm sorry, what did you say? You did what?' People won't believe it until we put it in their faces.
"And I sure hope it's as epic to the players as [it is to us]. But is it a declaration of something new [going forwards]?
"We're going to have to see what the players say."
In the RotW reveal, Cederquist had also said that the expansion was essentially Diablo 2 Resurrected "entering its next era."
So far, sales seem to be going really well, at least on Steam. D2R recently showed up on Steam for $40, complete with the new $25 expansion included in the price tag.
Right now, the Diablo 2 Resurrected Infernal Edition is #3 on Steam's best-sellers list.
