The fourth installment of the well-loved action RPG game "Diablo" is already in the works, and recent reports claim that the game's developer, Blizzard, already has a working build of the game. While this is highly positive news for the gaming community, fans will have to wait quite a long time for the aptly named 'Diablo 4' is expected to be released in 2020.
Blizzard Entertainment's Versailles division is believed to be at the helm of the development effort. The French newspaper Le Monde recently reported that the developer already has a working build of the upcoming game and it was shown to several Blizzard employees. However, the game is still far from being finished.
Blizzard was the receiving end of harsh criticisms both from fans and critics alike following the announcement of the somewhat mediocre 'Diablo Immortal," a mobile spin-off of the "Diablo" franchise. Fans have criticized this decision as a cash grab for the developer who is targeting the highly profitable mobile platform. The "Diablo" franchise has been a purely PC game since its inception, and purist "Diablo" fans have seen this new mobile game as a taint to the legendary franchise.
Nevertheless, fans were ecstatic following a leak revealing that Blizzard is working on a new "Overwatch" game. According to the leak, Blizzard also canceled a "Starcraft" FPS spin-off.
It is important to note that the existence of a working build of the game does not necessarily mean the game is near completion. However, this should enough to release at least a trailer or a playable demo. There are rumors claiming that Blizzard might release a trailer on this year's BlizzCon to build the hype around the game and ultimately gain a following.
This news came at a time when Blizzard is set to lay out some of its employees. In its Versailles office, where the supposed build was shown, at least 134 people are expected to be laid off. Blizzard is also expected to layoff at least 800 employees around the globe. This does not bode well for many of these employees. However, there are hints pointing to a possibility that the team working on the "Diablo 4" game is still intact and that Blizzard is keeping this team to make sure that the game is properly polished by the time it is released.
For now, fans are expecting Blizzard to make its "Diablo 4" and "Overwatch" announcement on this year's BlizzCon which is expected to open its doors on Nov. 2.
