It’s that time of year again, BlizzCon time. You may have jetted off to Anaheim or find yourself glued to the livestream to catch all the news as it happens either way we’ll have recaps of all the important Diablo news from the show. Now on with the BlizzCon 2023 Opening Ceremony recap.
With Diablo 4 now released we didn’t have high hopes for any big announcements for the franchise but they surprised us with some big news and reveals.
The BlizzCon 2023 Opening Ceremony main arena started filling up about 30 minutes before kickoff, and when it eventually got underway, Blizzard President Mike Ybarra took to the stage to welcome the attendees and those at home watching. Mike was pleased to be back after a four-year break for the event.
Mike went on to discuss the recent Xbox acquisition saying that “everyone wins”. Joining Mike on stage was Microsoft Gaming’s Phil Spencer. This was Phil’s first BlizzCon and he went on to say that he’s been playing Diablo 4 intensively with his friends. He went on to say that their goal is to bring more games to more players and empower the Blizzard family to redefine existing genres. He added, “the future of Blizzard is brighter than ever”.
Mike closed out by thanking the Blizzard team and the fans for their passion and for being part of their communities.
Diablo 4
Rod Fergusson was presenting Diablo 4 welcoming the fans and talked about the Diablo releases over the past few years.
Rod touched on the changes that have been made to the game thanks to community influence. Next, Tiffany Watt and Chris Wilson popped onto the stage and they talked about the recent additions in Season 2 including the new bosses, unique drop changes, and more. They said itemisation changes are a priority and recent changes are just the start.
Elly’s Video Recap
Diablo 4 Updates Coming Soon
Starting next week, 5 unique class-specific rings are being added as new Malignant Rings. These will let you, “relive some of the fun from Season of the Malignant”.
On December 5, an enchanting preview window is being added to the Occultist to allow you to see what affixes are possible before you spend your gold.
Abattoir of Zir
A six-week season event called Abattoir of Zir is also coming on December 5.
“highly replayable pinnacle experience designed for players who have reached level 100, slain Uber Duriel, and mastered all of the other challenges Season of Blood has to offer. Those who survive will obtain a Unique Paragon Glyph called Tears of Blood [For every 5 Core Stats purchased within range, you gain 2% increased damage. Grants +50% bonus to all rare nodes within range and the bonus increases by 10% for every 10 levels. The Level 1 Glyph says Next Radius Increase at Level 50, so it appears that this glyph can be upgraded well beyond Level 21.] , which is constructed of the Vampire lord’s very own blood. Beware, Abbatoir of Zir starts difficult and only gets harder.”
Midwinter Blight
Midwinter Blight event starts on 12 December in the Fractured Peaks and runs for three weeks. Keep an eye out for a “red-cloaked terror”.
Ever wonder what the holidays are like in Sanctuary? Well, now you can find out in our first seasonal event, Midwinter Blight, beginning on December 12 and lasting for three weeks. Trudge through the snow-laden, winter terror-land of Fractured Peaks, and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for a mysterious, red-cloaked terror!
Now that we’ve given you a glimpse of some of what’s to come in the future, let’s come back to the present. Starting next week, we’ll introduce 5 Unique, class-specific Rings that will let you tap into powers from Season of the Malignant.
Then on December 5, an Enchanting preview feature for the Occultist will come to Diablo IV. This will allow you to see what affixes are possible, before spending your hard-earned gold. It’s another way to give you even more control over developing just the right build for whatever Hell throws your way. Also starting on December 5 is Abattoir of Zir, a highly replayable six-week end-game event experience designed for players who have reached Level 100, slain Uber Duriel, and mastered all the other challenges Season of Blood has to offer. Those who survive will attain a Paragon Glyph constructed from Lord Zir’s very own blood. But beware—the Abattoir of Zir starts at a soul-crushing difficulty and only gets harder.
Season 3
Not much detail for Season 3 but Leaderboards were mentioned. A new weekly challenge dungeon called The Gauntlet is coming for Leaderboards in Season 3. Players will compete for their class ranking against their friends, their clan, or anyone in the world. At thend of each week, the heroes of the highest rank will be added to the Seasonal Hall of Ancients where their names and build will live on.
Vessel of Hatred Expansion
A separate Diablo 4 team is working on the next chapter and it’s super early but they were ready to reveal the first expansion.
The Vessel of Hatred expansion was announced as has been teased from the datamining information, albeit with a different name, Vessel of Hatred is coming late 2024. The campaign continues the campaign of Diablo 4 and the story of Mephisto. The jungles of Torajan will be the setting and a new never before seen class is coming with the expansion.
For our first Expansion, you’ll be taken somewhere more sinister than ever before—a place where hatred’s influence continues to strangle Sanctuary into submission…
Vessel of Hatred continues the grim tale that began in Diablo IV, as you learn the fate of the prime evil Mephisto and his demonic plans for Sanctuary. To do that, you’ll be visiting a region new to Diablo IV, known by the locals as Nahantu. With this continuation of the campaign’s story comes new ways to play, new evils to vanquish, and a brand-new Class never before seen in the Diablo universe. Vessel of Hatred releases late next year, and we can’t wait to share more about it with you next summer.
- Read our Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred Guide
Watch the Diablo 4 Opening Ceremony
That wrapped up the Diablo part of the show.
Don’t forget that tomorrow it’s the Diablo 4 Developer Chat where we will hear news of what’s coming up for the game. That’s one panel not to miss.