It could be simply down to a factory error and there is no hint at all, but it may still be something to go off for those glass half full fans out there. Its also noteworthy that at last year’s BlizzCon a former Blizzard community manager was reportedly quoted as saying that Diablo fans would “lose their sh*t” at the following year’s event. A community manager was then coincidentally let go following the convention, though it has never been confirmed if it was the same manager who was quoted previously at BlizzCon 2015.
So with steps being taken to find someone to take up the mantle of bringing the RPG series to the next level, there is clearly a future for the series. Despite these recent rumblings however, there is also evidence to support that the next entry may not actually be Diablo 4 after all. The less likely of the two would be an expansion pack to Diablo 3, which was scheduled to be revealed at last year’s BlizzCon. However, the expansion, rumored to have been codenamed King of the North, was cancelled and instead released gradually through patched content. It’s not impossible to say that the next installment will be an add-on for Diablo 3, though there isn’t as much verification to support the idea so far.
So if not Diablo 4 or an expansion to Diablo 3, what else could it possibly be? At the beginning of 2016, Diablo 2 was patched for the first time in five years, sparking speculation that we could see it receiving the same treatment. The biggest hint to support this came when those invited to purchase electronic tickets to the upcoming BlizzCon 2016 received the following image within the invitation.
Notice the top right of the image? Its Diablo with the soulstone firmly planted in his noggin, reminiscent of his character’s representation in Diablo 2. So there is a strong possibility we may see a HD remake before a direct sequel in the series, which wouldn’t be a bad business move by any means given Diablo 2’s popularity and the sales success of HD revamps in general.
Whatever is coming, its exciting to see that the franchise is alive and well in terms of its future plans. Whichever form it is in, fans will hopefully be pleased in one way or another by the time BlizzCon 2016 arrives. Keep a close eye on Nov. 4th and 5th, Diablo fans, something big may be on its way!
