Diablo III Hardcore Difficulty/Artistic Direction Examined

Shacknews has posted a quick article that examines the ongoing popularity of Diablo II’s hardcore difficulty and why Blizzard should take such loyalty into account when listening to gripes about Diablo III’s artistic direction.

“Though it looks really cool,” said Wilson of a gritty, darkened-up dungeon, “it’s almost impossible to do in a 3D engine because you can’t have lighting that smart and run on systems that are reasonable. If we could do that, we probably would in a few of the dungeons.”

It is easy to see both sides of the issue. Questioning Blizzard’s proven, world-class art team this early in the game is an exercise in credibility suicide. However, by Wilson’s own admission, the Diablo III’s 3D lighting does break from tradition, presenting a wider view of the dungeon than in the past.

Whatever the case, it is clear that these Photoshops represent more than trivial, trollish jabs by misguided fans. Instead, they seem a result of nervous concern–a natural fear of change to something that thousands of people still enjoy. For as much as Blizzard is keeping the same, there will of course be many changes made to the Diablo II formula. And nobody fears change like a gamer.