Diablo 4 is scheduled to be released in 2023, but the action RPG will bear a heavy burden after the release of Diablo Immortal at the latest. Because the free offshoot overloaded with Pay2Win mechanisms caused an enormous loss of trust among the fans.
Diablo 4 seems to be on the right track with its promised return to the series roots and the new classes. And now there’s more good news, because according to a well-known insider, an initial, strictly limited alpha test phase is not going badly at all. What the unofficial information says and means for fans, we clarify here.
By the way, you can find out exactly how Diablo 4 should change from our Diablo connoisseur André:
Diablo 4
More diverse, complex and a bit Path of Exile
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The first testers are probably positive
The source of the new rumors is the well-connected gaming journalist and author Jason Schreier. On twitter he writes:
Another fun but minor Blizzard tidbit that doesn’t seem to have been reported anywhere: some people are playing an early version of Diablo IV right now as part of a Friends and Family alpha test. Players are bound by a non-disclosure agreement, but I hear mostly positive voices.
Jason Schreier
Of course, that doesn’t sound bad, but it’s still a long way from a professional and justified assessment. According to Schreier, very few, specially selected people test a product at an early stage. The testers come accordingly from immediate Blizzard family or friends.
Diablo expert Maurice is also cautiously optimistic in his preview of Diablo 4, but also sees reason for concern:
15:22
Diablo 4 Preview Video: It’s Looking Better and Better, But Can We Celebrate?
Schreier is also reminded on Twitter that there have been similar reports about Diablo Immortal. However, he objects that there should only be cosmetic microtransactions in Diablo 4. So there shouldn’t be a nasty surprise like Diablo Immortal.
What does this mean for the beta?
Moving from the probably good to the rather bad news for all those looking forward to the announced beta. Because if alpha tests in the immediate vicinity of Blizzard only begin now, you are probably still a long way from a beta for the public.
So it’s quite possible that the beta date will not come until 2023. So all that remains is to wait and see. Or yourself secure guaranteed access to the test with a tattoo. Or let it be. Yes, let it be is better.
