Diablo 2 has received its first DLC in 25 years with Blizzard’s Reign of the Warlock. Added with the release of the game’s new Infernal Edition, an upgrade to Diablo 2: Resurrected, the classic ARPG has received its first new official class since the release of Assassin and the Druid in Lord of Destruction.
While many have praised the addition of the Warlock to the game, others have asked for another Act for the beloved game. With Blizzard looking to bring more post-launch content to Diablo 2: Infernal Edition, it could be on the table, but original Diablo 2 lead character artist Phil Shenk thinks that might be impossible.
Speaking in a recent interview with Path of Exile co-creator Chris Wilson, Shenk explained that “everybody wants an act”, but it’s something they never considered would even be possible for Diablo 2 in a world where its sequels already exist.
“I hadn’t even considered an act. Like, classes have become one way that ARPGs easily produce more content,” Shenk said. “Like, we’re doing a new class, right? So that’s kind of a common thing that people see, and even new act content, too.”
Shenk explained that the thought of a new Act for Diablo 2, which already received one additional Act with Lord of Destruction back in 2001, blew his mind. “I’ve always considered it as like, there’s no way you could ever do that,” he said. “How would you retcon all the lore that’s happened since then? You know, where would it be? Would it be in a location that Diablo 3 or Diablo 4 has already fleshed out?”
Nevertheless, Shenk explained that it’s “really cool” to see Diablo 2 still be supported and played so many years after. In a recent other interview, Shenk and Diablo 2 programmer Peter Hu expressed their adoration for the fandom’s ability to keep the game alive decades after launch.
“Just the fact that people are playing this 30-year-old game, that it’s worth it for them to introduce new content, is amazing to me,” the artist said. “I’m very proud, I guess is the word. Just at the fact it has so much legs.”
Shenk and Hu are both working together on a new ARPG, Darkhaven, which has just launched its Kickstarter campaign. Additionally, the game has a free demo on Steam, which the duo encourages players to try out.
