The action RPG genre is buzzing with excitement as former developers of the iconic games Diablo and Diablo 2, Phil Shenk, Peter Hu, and Erich Schaefer, have launched Moon Beast Productions. With a hefty $4.5 million in funding, they're set to create a new "low-budget action RPG" that they believe could revolutionize the industry. Given the legendary status of the first two Diablo games, there's a strong anticipation that this new project could be something truly special.
Moon Beast Productions aims to break away from traditional design patterns in the ARPG genre. The team, composed of veterans from the Diablo series, is driven by a vision to transform the hack'n'slash genre into something more open and dynamic. They're inspired to recapture the unique essence that made the early Diablo games stand out, a goal they've been nurturing for over two decades.
While details about the game remain scarce, the involvement of such experienced developers suggests it has the potential to be a standout title in the action RPG market. However, breaking into a genre already dominated by high-quality games like Diablo 4 and its successful expansion, "Vessel of Hatred," presents a significant challenge. Diablo 4's large and loyal fanbase might be reluctant to shift their allegiance to a new contender.
The competition is fierce, with other notable titles like Path of Exile 2 also making waves. Path of Exile 2 recently achieved a remarkable peak player count of over 538,000 on Steam, securing its place as the 15th highest peak player count in the platform's history. This underscores the high bar set for new entries in the ARPG genre, making Moon Beast Productions' endeavor both exciting and challenging.
