Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
Diablo II remake Vicarious Visions Blizzard

Diablo II Remake Reportedly in Production at Blizzard, Vicarious Visions

Vicarious Visions, the studio newly merged with Blizzard, is working on a remake of Diablo II, according to a report from Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier.

Recommended Videos

The report states that the remake was originally being headed by Blizzard’s Team 1, which handled last year’s Warcraft III: Reforged. However, in the wake of that game’s poor reception and an internal post-mortem, that project was reassigned to the division behind Diablo IV, with support from Vicarious Visions. The post-mortem highlighted communication problems and financial pressure from management among the reasons for the problems with Reforged, which included widespread complaints about fundamental technical issues and poorly regarded changes to the visual design of the 2002 original.

Exactly how long the Diablo II remake has been in development under the new team is unclear, as Blizzard’s official statement did not acknowledge the project and only stated that the developer and Vicarious Visions have been working together “for some time.” Nonetheless, Schreier’s report notes that Blizzard’s Team 1 was announced to be reorganized — or effectively shut down — with most staff either being placed elsewhere within Blizzard or departing the company altogether. Some reportedly went to join former Blizzard alumni at Dreamhaven and Frost Giant Studios.

Vicarious Visions has expertise with developing high-quality remakes, having recently worked on Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 and 2.


The Escapist is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author
Image of Damien Lawardorn
Damien Lawardorn
Editor and Contributor of The Escapist: Damien Lawardorn has been writing about video games since 2010, including a 1.5 year period as Editor-in-Chief of Only Single Player. He’s also an emerging fiction writer, with a Bachelor of Arts with Media & Writing and English majors. His coverage ranges from news to feature interviews to analysis of video games, literature, and sometimes wider industry trends and other media. His particular interest lies in narrative, so it should come as little surprise that his favorite genres include adventures and RPGs, though he’ll readily dabble in anything that sounds interesting.