Throughout the last few months, releases for Diablo III’s PS4 and Xbox One versions have been hinted. While the PS4 version is the only one that has been confirmed, it is likely that the both next generation versions are being developed alongside one another. While speaking with IGN, Diablo III’s producer Alex Mayberry said that Diablo III was being developed for the Xbox One, but as of right now, he is unable to confirm the game or give a release date window: “the way we develop, it’s as if there will be an Xbox One version, but until it’s announced there’s nothing official.” On the other hand, the PS4 version should be expected soon. The producer spoke openly about its development process:
“It’s being worked on. I don’t have any release dates to announce, but it’s not far behind. They kind of have to wait for the PC side to wrap before they can completely finish, but they’ve been in parallel development with us the whole time. As we developed on the PS, they pulled it into the console version and then they make it work. So they’re still in the process of wrapping up that side of things, as they’ve had to wait for us to finish up. It won’t be long, but I can’t give an exact date as we still need to go through certifications.”
Alex Mayberry further confirms that it will not be a simple port, but a game that was retooled for the next generation consoles: “we want it to feel crafted for that console. Certainly the user interface will be completely retooled for the console side of things, but they are also looking at a number of features that’d be different from the PC side.” However, he was unable to go into details about these new features. Now, it is not surprising that the game is being retooled for the next generation consoles: if it was just a simple port, the game would have been released already, and also, the previous console versions of Diablo III was praised for its comprehensive control scheme, and redesigned interface.
While Blizzard’s 2012 release of Diablo III was met with critical praise, the game was criticized for its always-online connection and unethical auction house. Now, the auction house has made recent news when it was officially shut down, however, there has been no word if the PS4 and Xbox One versions of Diablo III will always have to be online. But the always-online feature does not seem to hinder its sales: as of February, Diablo III sold fifteen million copies across the PC, Xbox 360, and PS3.
Again, there are no confirmed release dates for either version, but expect the PS4 game before the Xbox One. Now, what do you think of Diablo III coming to the next generation consoles? Will the next generation version be different enough to warrant another purchase? Please tell us your thoughts in the comment section below. And for any updates regarding Diablo III or any other game, please continue to read Gamer Headlines.
Source: IGN