Longtime Blizzard employee Joe Shely, who worked as a design lead on World of Warcraft and Diablo 3, is now acting as the new Diablo IV director.
Announced in the Diablo IV quarterly update, Shely seemed excited to take on the new project. In a post, he commented:
Like many of you, our team has been reflecting upon recent events. A lot has happened since our last blog and the hard work of practicing the values we aspire to must continue. In parallel with that important work, development of Diablo IV continues too… Over the past few years, we’ve assembled a strong team with incredible passion for Diablo IV. You, Diablo’s fans, are a critical part of this team. With the help of your valuable feedback, we’ve steadily refined and deepened the game experience. We have ways to go, and while much has changed, our commitment to the game is unwavering.”
The previous Diablo IV director, Luis Barriga, was let go in August amid allegations of harassment and abuse within Blizzard. Level designer Jesse McCree and World of Warcraft designer Jonatan LeCraft were let go alongside Barriga. In September, Blizzard settled an equal opportunity commission lawsuit for $18 million.
Diablo IV “takes place many years after the events of Diablo III, after millions have been slaughtered by the actions of the High Heavens and Burning Hells alike. In the vacuum of power, a legendary name resurfaces.” So far there have been four classes announced: Barbarian, Sorceress, Druid, and Rogue. A three-minute gameplay trailer has also been released.
As of this writing, there is no release window for Diablo IV.
Are you looking forward to Diablo IV? Interested to see Joe Shely’s vision for the game? Let us know in the comments below, and keep coming back to The Nerd Stash for all of your nerdy news and needs!
