Diablo 4's initial design, as revealed by former Diablo 3 director Josh Mosqueira, was a departure from the series' established formula. The vision? A more dynamic, action-focused experience with permadeath mechanics.

Diablo 3's Legacy and a Bold New Vision

A Roguelike Action-Adventure: Why Diablo 4's Original Concept Was Scrapped

According to a recent WIRED report based on Jason Schreier's book Play Nice, Diablo 4's development began with a radical reimagining. Following the perceived shortcomings of Diablo 3, Mosqueira aimed for a complete overhaul, initially codenamed "Hades."

This early concept, spearheaded by Mosqueira with a select team, envisioned a game with a third-person perspective (replacing the series' isometric view), Batman: Arkham-inspired combat, and a challenging permadeath system. The result would have been a significantly more action-oriented and "punchier" experience.

However, this ambitious vision encountered significant hurdles. The planned co-op multiplayer elements proved particularly problematic, leading to internal debate about the game's identity. As designer Julian Love noted, the core mechanics diverged so significantly from the established Diablo formula that its connection to the franchise became questionable. Ultimately, the team concluded that the roguelike "Hades" would essentially be a new IP altogether.

Diablo 4's Recent Expansion: Vessel of Hatred

Diablo 4 recently launched its first major expansion, Vessel of Hatred, transporting players to the dark realm of Nahantu in 1336. This expansion delves into the machinations of Mephisto and his sinister plots for Sanctuary.