It was only a few weeks ago that I wrote about Blizzard’s plans for Diablo 3’s future. One of the biggest changes to the game back then was an increase in the drops rates for high level items, a move designed to make farming gear for the game’s brutal Inferno mode a little easier. Apparently, however, it wasn’t enough as Blizzard was forced to increase the drop rates yet again by essentially doubling them, at least the level 63s, according to PC Gamer. Normally this wouldn’t be worth mentioning, let alone writing a post about, but the manner in which it was done, through a hotfix, has me wondering Blizzard is even aware of what the problem is. You see, Diablo 3 had a great first month, but the honeymoon phase is over and players have pretty much stopped playing Diablo 3, at least dramatically less than they had been.
You would think this is bad news for Blizzard, and it is in a way, but I think it’s more accurate to say that it’s simply bad news for Diablo 3. As William at Gaming Blend points out many players are leaving Diablo 3 and going right back to playing World of Warcraft. Yes, that means that for about a month people took a vacation from playing WoW to play Diablo 3. Blizzard is certainly aware of this, and it’s most likely the reason why they decided to hotfix Diablo 3’s drop rates with almost no warning.
There’s a problem with this philosophy; people aren’t leaving Diablo 3 because they aren’t getting enough items or that their repair bills are too high, well maybe some are, but rather it’s more likely the lack of any real end-game content. As it stands the entire purpose of the game now, if you can call it that, is to farm end-game items so that you can farm more end-game items faster. Kind of like Vanilla WoW except that vanilla WoW had a few end-game bosses.
You would think that a company like Blizzard would understand the importance of end-game content, especially considering that most people get to it in only a few days, or hours in some cases. Without a real use for all of the loot a player earns, they reach the end, see all there is to see, and then simply move on.
Originally there was a working PvP system in place but it was held back from release due to balance issues. Without it there’s nothing more to Diablo 3 than slaying Diablo himself, which isn’t nearly enough in this day in age.
So while the game itself plays well and is generally fun, there really isn’t anything to do except kill monsters and pray for loot. You could visit the auction hall, but then you run the risk of having this happen. Regardless, Blizzard better think of something for Diablo 3 players to do, otherwise it looks like most of them are going to leave for another game all together.
Rian Quenlin
Well it’s to be expected with brand loyalty. WOW is a solid game and D3 is also a good hack and slash, but the fact remains: It gets stale. Even on the highest difficulty setting it gets stale.
You’d think that the prospect of being able to legally sell your equipment would be a massive incentive to play this game, wouldn’t you?
Jparker_26
if they were not robbing people
Army Navy
Blizzard sucks! Jay Wilson is a pile of fecal matter!
ohwell
well deserved, I think. as a diablo 2 customer and apart of the fan demographic they choose to crap all over. I can only say one thing “was it worth saying **** you to us older fans? you know, the one that waited a decade+ only to be pushed aside for your cash cow”. 🙂 well either way, they got their money, so they really don’t care. just more bad practices by the big game companies being reinforced by rubes…nothing new.
Matt D.
the game plays well and is generlaly fun? uh, where! point it out maybe? the first act is the only good act, (seems this was kept in tact from 2005 possibly), after that, its all more of the same. after 13 freaking years, i get to run through the same places i saw in diablo 2? WHERE ARE THE NEW AREAS FROM THE WORLD MAP IN THE INSTRUCTION BOOKLET? where is the hell level? it isnt evil, or dark and forboding like the first 2, its bright, and clumsy. it isnt hell, its candy land. id actually enjoy diablo 3 in the new secret level, more so then the new hell area, and i actually like the new cartoon secret level, exploding teddy bears, thats pretty cool. other then that, the game is freaking horrible. im so sick of people sayign its fun, and plays well, how? hit detection on your character is garbage, how does a game play well when im 5 barrels, (i dont know the pixel count), away from a zombie attack and i still get hit? that plays well? generally fun? wahts so fun about it? building a mage based on weapon dps is fun? how so? i cant build my character how i want to, and thats fun? no problem with the review except the end of it. i want you to point otu whats so fun about it, and how it plays well, because i just dont see it.
Matt D.
u want a game that is generally fun, and plays well here is a list of 4: torchlight, torchlight 2, path of exile, and divine divinity.
Maxxx
Agree with Army Navy