According to multiple sources (specifically Jez Cordon and Xbox Era), Blizzard Entertainment is preparing to launch Diablo 4 in April with preorders scheduled for December. This lines up with the earlier rumors that pre-orders will go live at The Game Awards on December 9. After doing some quick maths, the rumor mill is suggesting that Diablo 4 is only six months away. It’s difficult to say if the game will be ready by then, but it’s not unprecedented. Case in point, Overwatch 2 was first announced as a free-to-play title in June before coming out five months later in October. Similar to Diablo 4, Overwatch 2 went through a lot of testing before the announcement and after. However, unlike with Overwatch 2, we’ve only gotten blogs explaining how massive Diablo 4 is going to be as opposed to seeing it in action, save from leaks. Also, Blizzard’s recent history makes it difficult to trust the company. For what it’s worth, everything we’ve heard about Diablo 4 suggests it’s leaps and bounds ahead of where Diablo 3 was at this stage. As long as Blizzard can avoid controversial stuff like the Auction House, DDoS issues at launch, as well as learn from the microtransaction-filled Battle Pass of Overwatch 2, Diablo 4 should do fine. Of course, doing so is much easier said than done. Again, Diablo 4 might inspire confidence but we can’t say the same for Blizzard. Ultimately, a 2023 release date for Diablo 4 is easy to believe, just not so early in the year. This is a AAA game that’s been delayed multiple times already. We wouldn’t be surprised if Blizzard goes ahead and say that “one more delay couldn’t hurt, right?”. The current climate in the gaming space is much more receptive to delays, especially if the game comes out much more polished as a result. Speaking of Blizzard, we shouldn’t forget that Diablo 4’s foggy release date will also play a role in Microsoft’s bid to acquire Activision Blizzard for almost $70 billion. The parties are still waiting on approval of the deal from several countries. Although most have zeroed in on Call of Duty, we wouldn’t be surprised if Sony and other regulating bodies will bring up Microsoft’s plans to bring Diablo and Overwatch to the Game Pass, among others. Surely, more Diablo 4 news is coming from Blizzard. Thankfully, December isn’t too far off. Until then, Diablo fans can give in to the initial doubt and check out Diablo Immortal as well as give Diablo 2: Resurrected.
