Ex-Diablo devs are working on a new ARPG to innovate the genre

Former Diablo and Diablo II developers are creating a new, low-budget action RPG with the ambition to redefine the genre. Given the success of the original Diablo games, this new ARPG, developed by veterans of both titles, has high potential.

Moon Beast Productions, an independent studio founded by Phil Shenk, Peter Hu, and Erich Schaefer, secured $4.5 million in funding to develop this ARPG. Their goal is to break free from established design conventions and revitalize the hack-and-slash experience. The team, boasting over 20 years of experience, aims to recapture the essence of the early Diablo games while creating a more open and dynamic world.

Details about the game remain scarce, but the involvement of highly experienced developers suggests a strong possibility of creating a top-tier action RPG. However, the market is fiercely competitive, with established giants like Diablo IV (and its successful "Vessel of Hatred" expansion) and the recently released Path of Exile 2 commanding significant player bases.

Path of Exile 2's remarkable Steam launch, peaking at over 538,000 concurrent players (15th highest ever on the platform), highlights the intense competition within the ARPG space. Breaking through this established landscape will be a considerable challenge for Moon Beast Productions.