Blizzard Entertainment is preparing for the much-anticipated launch of Diablo 4 in the coming weeks, and the company appears to be setting a model for AAA games on how to handle their pre-launch path to release. Usually, promotion for most AAA games involves some cinematic trailers, early launch spots, beta, and a delay or two before the eventual release. However, in addition to this, Diablo 4 also had a lot more.
Blizzard introduced quarterly articles that focused on early aspects of the game, with lengthy blogs offering tons of information before it was ready to be shared on video. The team was also clear on live services and provided quick clarifications to fans regarding what to expect. They confirmed that they would not be launching with anything goofy and game-breaking like the Auction House and denied any pay-for-power mobile monetization paths that had characterized Diablo Immortal. Any store or battle pass items would only be cosmetic. The game developers also guaranteed that the seasonal model would not eclipse classic expansions.
The game developers also provided three substantive betas, with the last one referred to as a “Server Slam” that showed off some massive parts of the game, such as all the classes, full access to the entire first zone, multiple dungeons, and legendary drop rates buffed so that some fascinating gear could be seen at lower levels. The betas even included community world events for exclusive cosmetics ahead of release. The game developers also provided in-depth discussions through videos on loot, class trees, cosmetics, and the seasonal model, among others.
Notably, the game developers demonstrated an incredible level of agility to ensure that the game would be bug-free and attractive before launching it. They had all the changes made by the Server Slam after beta feedback from the first two weeks, reacting quickly to fan issues. Moreover, after one nerf felt bad, Blizzard added Necromancer skeletons to their previous strength within hours. This shows how the team has set a standard for a very reactive live game that will not debate endlessly about nerfs and buffs for months before making changes.
Blizzard has set an impressive precedent for pre-launch preparations for AAA games through Diablo 4. While there might still be concerns about the server’s ability to handle the massive launch influx of players, the game itself appears to be in good shape, setting the stage for the much-anticipated game’s release.
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According to https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2023/05/16/diablo-4-is-a-model-for-a-pre-launch-aaa-road-to-release/
The material in this article is written on the basis of another article.
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