Diablo 3, while not the newest ARPG in the market, still holds a special place in the hearts of many gamers. Andrew Chambers, a former system designer for Diablo 3, recently shared insights into the key design decisions that set the game apart from newer titles like Last Epoch. He compared the two games, highlighting the differences in their skill systems and the overall approach to game design.
One of the main differences Chambers discussed was the approachability of Diablo 3’s skill system compared to Last Epoch’s complexity. He mentioned that Diablo 3 aimed to attract a broader audience beyond just hardcore Diablo fans. The decision to keep the skill system more straightforward was intentional, as the team wanted to make the game more accessible to a wider player base. Chambers acknowledged that this choice may have alienated some veteran players but believed it was necessary to expand the game’s reach.
Chambers revealed that the Diablo 3 development team had considered a more intricate skill system involving “runes” that would modify skills with different properties and levels. However, he was against this idea, citing concerns about complexity and inventory management. Looking back, Chambers admitted that the scrapped skill system might have appealed more to the core Diablo audience. Despite this, he expressed satisfaction with the final skill system, emphasizing its ability to attract new players to the ARPG genre.
In the video, Chambers also discussed Diablo 3’s controversial Auction House and praised Last Epoch’s trading system for being robust. He suggested that other ARPG developers should learn from Last Epoch’s trading system and incorporate similar features into their games. Chambers highlighted the importance of continuous improvement and learning from competitors within the genre.
Chambers made it clear that he believes Blizzard, as the developer of Diablo 3, could never have created a game like Last Epoch. Despite this, he commended Diablo 3 for its pacing and enemy design, acknowledging the strengths of the game. He emphasized that each game has its unique strengths and weaknesses, and there is always room for improvement in future projects.
Andrew Chambers’ insights shed light on the thought process behind Diablo 3’s design decisions and how they compare to newer ARPG titles like Last Epoch. While each game has its distinct features, there is always a chance for developers to learn from each other and strive for innovation in the genre. Diablo 3’s legacy lives on, influencing the future of ARPGs and shaping the expectations of players worldwide.
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