Blizzard’s dungeon-crawling demonic franchise has been instrumental in the action RPG genre since the first game was released in 1997. TheDiabloseries has been a fan favorite over the years and has come to define a lot of the tropes of fantasy games with a similar focus. With a sizable gap between the last mainline entry,Diablo 3, and the upcoming release ofDiablo 4, players have been excited for more news of the next installment. TheirDiabloitch may have been scratched with 2021’sDiablo 2: Resurrectedor the hugely controversial mobile-focusedDiablo Immortal, but many fans are holding out forDiablo 4.
It feels like a lot of time has passed sinceDiablo 4was first announced in 2019, but after a long wait, the release is finally in sight. Although an exact date hasn’t been confirmed just yet, players do know that they’ll be able to get their hands onDiablo 4sometime in 2023. Afterthe recent Activision Blizzard acquisition by Microsoft, it seems incredibly likely thatDiablo 4will also be available on Xbox Game Pass, potentially making it one of the subscription service’s biggest gets for 2023.
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Ramping Up To Diablo 4’s Release
With its predecessorDiablo 3becoming one of the fastest-selling PC games ever at the time, expectations are already high for Blizzard’s next installment. Some player goodwill may have been lost with the aggressive microtransaction debacle surroundingDiablo Immortal, but that doesn’t seem to have dimmedthe excitement aroundDiablo 4.Diablohas become a truly iconic franchise and has already spanned several decades. While there have been lots of changes across the design, gameplay, and setup of the subsequent installments, each one maintains the epic saga of the ongoing battle between the High Heavens and the Burning Hells.
The game seemed like it was in a little trouble in recent years after high staff turnovers causedDiablo 4to be delayed into 2023. Activision Blizzard was also at the forefront of some troubling accusations around employment practices and working conditions and was even part of a damning lawsuit. Despite these difficulties, fans have been learning more about the upcomingDiablo 4in recent months, including the range of starting classes, how it will feature a greater focus on player choice, and the inclusion of a hugely in-depth character creator. While it’s yet to be completely confirmed, the addition ofDiablo 4on Xbox Game Pass seems like a done deal, which could be a huge win for the subscription service.
How Xbox Game Pass' 2023 Is Shaping Up
Even though it’s only just passed the halfway point of 2022, 2023 is already shaping up to be a really exciting year for gaming. This may be due in part to the disappointingdelays of highly anticipated titles like Bethesda’s expansive RPGStarfieldand Arkane’s vampiric shooterRedfall,but that doesn’t take away from the fact that 2023 looks like it will be a year of really strong releases. Considering the caliber of games aiming for a 2023 launch, it speaks volumes thatDiablo 4is probably up there when it comes to titles that players are most excited for.
Microsoft’s subscription serviceXbox Game Pass is getting increasingly good at sweeping up all the best releasesto include in its list of available games, and 2023 looks to be no different. Thanks to Microsoft’s recent rate of acquisition of other studios, Xbox Game Pass has been able to pad out its library with some really tasty Day One releases as well. There are over twenty confirmed games for Xbox Game Pass for 2023 already, and this list will only continue to grow. Major titles likeForza Motorsport,Minecraft Legends, andArk 2joinRedfallandStarfieldon the list, butDiablo 4would really be the cherry on top of an already strong line-up.
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The Benefits Of Featuring On Game Pass
It doesn’t seem likeDiablo 4will be a Day One release on Xbox Game Pass, but as long as the Microsoft acquisition continues to go through and is wrapped up by mid-2023 as planned, it seems very likely that it will make an appearance. Xbox Game Pass is already a hugely popular subscription service that offers players literally hundreds of games for a fixed monthly fee. As subscription services go, it’s seen as one of the best for value and choice, with more great games arriving every month. Next year it looks likeXbox Game Pass is continuing to add popular titlesand provide a quality service to players, andDiablo 4should really take advantage of that.
This is particularly important for games that have elements of multiplayer or co-op.Diablo 4’s open world will feature an overworld areawhere players can engage in some PvP encounters or join boss fights together, and gamers will be able to play alongside friends on Xbox as well. Considering thatDiablo 4will feature these online elements in addition to cross-play and cross-progression for all platforms, having a vast, engaged player base is crucial to creating a thriving community and an entertaining gameplay experience. Given the anticipation forDiablo 4, it seems a large playerbase is probably guaranteed, but making the most of Xbox Game Pass' wide reach and popularity would still be a smart move.
More and more games are making their way onto Microsoft’s subscription service, proving the efficacy of the system as well as the benefits for new and old games alike. It helps titles to find new audiences, re-engage players, and become more accessible than ever before.Diablo 4isn’t going to struggle to find an audience, but joining theever-revolving roster of games on Xbox Game Passwould be a huge win for the service and a boost for the title, not to mention a great outcome for gamers. Next year looks good, but players are still anticipating many new games to be confirmed for Xbox Game Pass in the coming months. Even though there are other upcoming games that players hope to see, likeStreet Fighter 6or theDead Spaceremake, Blizzard’s macabre dungeon crawler RPG could still give them a run for their money.
Diablo 4will launch in 2023 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
