blizzard

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Diablo 4 early access launch wasn’t a complete disaster

As much as we like to call out terrible live game launches, we should also point out when things work as expected. After years of anticipation, Diablo 4 finally launched. Well, only the early access launch for players who opted for the more expensive Deluxe, and Ultimate Editions of the game. Still, as the first time the full (paid) game is available to play, it’s important for the launch to go smooth. Diablo 4 is an always-online game launching on all three major platforms, so the stakes are high. A not-very-brief Diablo 4 chat with Connor, and myself. While the…

diablo-4-open-beta-coming-in-may-to-purposely-try-to-break-the-servers VG247

Diablo 4 open beta coming in May to purposely try to break the servers

Come one, come all, and show those servers who’s boss. Blizzard has announced another open beta for Diablo 4 , the purpose of which is to test the server infrastructure. The open beta, dubbed “Server Slam” by Blizzard, takes place May 12-14 and starts at 12pm PT, 3pm ET, 8pm BEST, and 9pm CEST. During this time, everyone on PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 4 can join – you can even play couch co-op for consoles. Cross-play and cross-progression for all platforms will be enabled. It’s all to test the servers to ensure the game’s…

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Diablo 4 won’t have an overlay map at launch

Not for the time being at least. Those looking forward to Diablo 4 may be surprised to hear the game will not feature a map overlay. They should be surprised, considering it was a quality-of-life feature in previous Diablo games. According to Diablo’s general manager Rod Fergusson, Blizzard has “no plans at the moment” to implement the long-used feature. This means players will have to rely on the mini-map or interrupt their gameplay by pulling up the full map- the latter of which can really break immersion sometimes, depending on the game. Hopefully, Blizzard will change its mind, and a…

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Blizzard applying some major changes to Diablo 4 based on feedback from the betas

Plenty of changes will be applied before release. Blizzard has implemented a variety of fixes, and updates, to Diablo 4 since the beta weekends were held. The studio said the changes were made due to reviewing player feedback and gameplay data. The changes made will be present in the release version of the game. Control elemental forces as the Sorcerer in Diablo 4. One of these changes pertains to cellars, which will now consistently reward a chest upon completion, and the chance for a dungeon Event to occur has increased from 10% to 60%. With characters, all classes have received…

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Blizzard announces Diablo 4 global release times

Here’s when you can jump in to Sanctuary. Blizzard has announced the global release times for Diablo 4 quite a bit ahead of time. It’s nice to be prepared, even if it is a bit early. The end is only the beginning. Here’s the global release times for Diablo 4: Early Access for Deluxe and Ultimate pre-orders US: Thursday June 1 at 4pm PT / 7pm ET Europe: June 2 at 12am CEST Asian: June 2 at 8am Regular Launch US: June 5 at 4pm PT/7pm ET Europe: June 6 at 12am CEST Asia: June 6 at 8am In the…

diablo-4-developer-diary-delves-into-the-endgame VG247

Diablo 4 developer diary delves into the endgame

The end is only the beginning. Blizzard has released a developer diary, and in it, the Diablo 4 team discusses endgame progression. As you advance through the story, you will unlock plenty of activities that provide significant player progression thanks to a variety of experiences in which to take part. Countless new challenges await in the massive Diablo 4 endgame. After finishing the campaign, you can participate in higher-difficulty World Tiers by completing Capstone Dungeons, where your character will find more loot and advantages. The endgame also features more opportunities to refine your character using the Paragon System, which goes…

you-can-expect-more-overwatch-2-crossover-events-in-the-future VG247

You can expect more Overwatch 2 crossover events in the future

Plus, changes to help make the game feel more rewarding. Following the crossover between Overwatch 2 and One Punch Man, game director Aaron Keller has shared that you can expect another one sometime this year. With the move to free-to-play, Overwatch 2 has obviously leaned even harder into being a live service game. And what better way to capture some of the success Fortnite has than by collaborating with another brand, obviously resulting in a crossover with One Punch Man. Interestingly, it turns out the team wasn’t entirely certain of doing the collab, but it’s done well, so at least…

diablo-4-beta-gets-a-hotfix-to-deal-with-“stability-issues”-on-console VG247

Diablo 4 beta gets a hotfix to deal with “stability issues” on console

Hopefully this will help for next weekend’s open beta. The closed beta for Diablo 4 kicked off this weekend, but server stability issues have plagued many – thankfully, Blizzard has released a hotfix to help out. If you’re one of the many, many people that have been trying to play Diablo 4 this weekend, without much success, you’re not alone. There have been some seriously lengthy queue times, stopping a lot of players from being able to actually play the thing. In particular, console players were struggling, with some just being unable to get through the queues. But an update…

blizzard-says-it-has-“no-plans”-to-release-diablo-4-on-game-pass VG247

Blizzard says it has “no plans” to release Diablo 4 on Game Pass

Well, that could change if the Microsoft acquisition goes through. It looks as though we shouldn’t expect Diablo 4 to land on Game Pass. At least anytime soon. Check out the Diablo 4 In-Game Intro Cinematic That’s according to Blizzard’s Rod Fergusson, who oversees development on the Diablo series. Fergusson said on Twitter the studio has been receiving questions regarding Diablo 4 on Game Pass, and he wants folks to know the studio has “no plans for that.” That may be the plan at present, but that could all change if the Microsoft acquisition of Activision Blizzard goes through. The…

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Diablo 4 video takes a look inside the creation of Sanctuary

Sanctuary doesn’t look like your typical vacation destination. A new video for Diablo 4 has been released, and it dives into its design, the regions, and the monstrous inhabitants of Sanctuary. You will hear from the game’s senior quest and dungeon designers and Diablo 4’s art director. It also features some gameplay, so there’s more than just chit-chat. Diablo 4 will go into open beta in March. Pre-ordering the game will grant you early access to the open beta from March 17-19. The following weekend, March 24-26, everyone can participate in the open beta regardless of pre-order status. The beta…

overwatch-2-is-getting-a-dating-sim-and-a-one-punch-man-crossover-in-season-3 Rock,Paper,Shotgun

Overwatch 2 is getting a dating sim and a One Punch Man crossover in Season 3

Overwatch 2’s third season is beginning later today and it looks to be the most substantial season yet. Blizzard have released a brand new trailer alongside a Season 3 roadmap, detailing everything we can expect for the next few months including a One Punch Man crossover, a long overdue dating sim, and a Battle Pass themed around Asian mythology. Read more

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Overwatch 2 is collaborating with One Punch Man, hosting a dating sim, and more in Season 3

Season 3 is going to be packed with content. Overwatch 2 is quickly approaching Season 3, and has detailed what to expect of the new season in a new blog post. On top of Asian Mythology-themed skins, Overwatch 2 will also introduce a new map, host a Valentine’s Day event, and add an unexpected crossover with One Punch Man. Take a look at Overwatch 2’s Season 3 trailer here. Overwatch 2 will host its collaboration with One Punch Man, the first ever major IP collaboration for the game, from March 7 to April 6. During this time, One Punch Man…

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Overwatch 2 will penalise players who are friends with cheaters, and monitor voice comms more heavily

Blizzard is ramping up its Overwatch 2 Defense Matrix initiative. Overwatch 2 has shared an all-new update for its Defense Matrix Initiative, which is focused on curbing “gameplay sabotage, abusive chat, and cheating.” In its latest update to the initiative, Blizzard has revealed that it’ll be monitoring voice communications more heavily, penalising players who team up with cheaters, and more. Check out new hero, Ramattra, in this trailer. The technology being used to monitor voice communications is a new voice-to-text transcription software and AI learning algorithms. This has already been rolled out on PC in select regions, has “proven to…

overwatch-2-dev-gives-an-update-on-ranked-issues-and-more VG247

Overwatch 2 dev gives an update on ranked issues and more

A few changes are coming to the competitive shooter. Blizzard game director Aaron Keller has addressed some of the issues Overwatch 2 players are still experiencing with its ranked mode in a recent blog post. Ever since Overwatch 2 launched last year, its ranked mode hasn’t felt quite right, in particular because players haven’t been entirely confident in what their real rank is. To help with that, Keller has put out a blog post explaining what he believes the problem is, as well as promising changes for season 3. “The new Ranked mode suffered from poor comprehension,” wrote Keller. “There…

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Overwatch 2’s Lunar New Year event adds new skins, Arcade Brawls, and Twitch Drops

The event will run until February 6. Blizzard’s latest event for Overwatch 2 has arrived, just in time to celebrate the Lunar New Year. The event has been detailed in a blog post from Blizzard, and has introduced new skins, made festive changes to maps, and brought back Arcade Brawls. In addition, there are going to be some rewards dished out to those playing the game, and via Twitch Drops. You’ll be able to jump into the fun from now, up until February 6. You’ve still another day of the Battle for Olympus event too! Players who head on over…