New ARPG in Development by Former Diablo Developers to Revitalize Genre

The action RPG genre is buzzing with excitement as former developers from the legendary Diablo and Diablo 2 games, Phil Shenk, Peter Hu, and Erich Schaefer, have launched Moon Beast Productions. With a hefty $4.5 million in funding, they're set to develop a new "low-budget action RPG" that aims to shake up the industry. These seasoned creators, who were integral to the success of the first two Diablo games, are now with Moon Beast Productions, striving to push the boundaries of the hack'n'slash genre. Their vision? To craft an ARPG that feels more open and dynamic, harking back to what made the early Diablo games so distinctive and beloved.

While details about the game remain under wraps, the involvement of such industry veterans has sparked significant interest. The potential for this new title to be a standout in the action RPG market is undeniable. However, breaking into a genre dominated by established giants like Diablo 4, especially with its successful expansion "Vessel of Hatred," poses a formidable challenge. Diablo 4 boasts a dedicated fanbase, which might be reluctant to explore new pastures.

The competition doesn't stop there. The recently released Path of Exile 2 has made waves on Steam, achieving a peak player count of over 538,000, ranking it as the 15th highest peak player count in the platform's history. This underscores the intense competition within the ARPG genre, making the journey for Moon Beast Productions even more challenging. Yet, with the team's deep roots in the genre and their clear vision, there's a palpable sense of anticipation about what they might bring to the table.