Diablo: Immortal Archives

In a recent interview with The Verge, Blizzard President Mike Ybarra revealed the company's plans for the future, and it seems that mobile gaming is at the forefront of their strategy. Ybarra stated that he wants to see Blizzard's IPs "everywhere," which translates to more mobile games based on popular franchises like Warcraft and Diablo. Mobile Gaming as a Growth Strategy This focus on mobile gaming is unsurprising, given the immense popularity of mobile gaming platforms and the significant revenue generated by mobile titles. Diablo: Immortal, despite its controversial announcement at BlizzCon 2018, has proven to be a financial success for Blizzard, raking in hundreds of millions of dollars. Fan Reaction to Blizzard's Mobile Focus However, Blizzard's shift towards mobile gaming has not been without criticism. Many fans have expressed disappointment, hoping that the company would return to its roots of developing PC and console games. The disastrous announcement of Diablo: Immortal at BlizzCon 2018, which was met with boos and chants of "Don't you people have phones?", is a testament to this sentiment. Blizzard's Openness to Different Ideas Despite the fan backlash, Ybarra maintains that Blizzard is open to different ideas and that developers are free to pitch projects ranging from "four-hour experiences to 400-hour experiences." This suggests that Blizzard is not solely focused on mobile gaming and is willing to consider a variety of projects. Overwatch Mobile: A Possibility One notable exception to Blizzard's mobile strategy is Overwatch, with Overwatch 2 being the only live game in the series. However, given Ybarra's desire to see Blizzard's IPs "everywhere," it's safe to assume that a mobile Overwatch game or perhaps a mobile-exclusive spin-off is in the works. Diablo 4 Expansion In the meantime, Blizzard is not neglecting its PC and console gaming roots. The first major expansion for Diablo 4, Vessel of Hatred, was announced at BlizzCon 2023 and is scheduled for release in late 2024. Conclusion Blizzard's decision to focus on mobile gaming is a reflection of the industry's current landscape, where mobile gaming is a major driving force in revenue generation. While some fans may be disappointed, Blizzard's openness to different ideas suggests that the company is not abandoning its PC and console roots entirely. Final Thoughts The future of Blizzard remains to be seen, but with a new Microsoft merger in place and a focus on mobile gaming, it's clear that the company is adapting to the changing gaming landscape. While this may not sit well with some fans, Blizzard's willingness to experiment with new ideas could lead to innovative and engaging gaming experiences in the years to come. Also Read:

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Diablo: Immortal

Blizzard Plans to Make Even More Mobile Games, Despite Fan Backlash