A Diablo II remake is reportedly in development between Vicarious Visions and Blizzard. This announcement comes in light of the recent and official merger between the two companies. Vicarious Visions is best known for Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1 + 2 and the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, both of which are considered excellent remakes by fans.
The Diablo II remake project stems from the recent collaboration between the two companies, dating back to 2020. At that time, a planned remake of Diablo II was already on the table. According to Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier, one of Blizzard’s development teams, Team 1, was responsible for several key projects (before the Vicarious Visions absorption), including “StarCraft II, Heroes of the Storm, StarCraft Remastered, and Warcraft 3,” with the next project going “to be the Diablo II remake.”
Schreier added that “unrealistic deadlines created by financial pressures” hindered elements of their Warcraft 3 launch. Following this disappointment, Blizzard “pulled the Diablo II remake from Team 1.” Schreier continues, saying that “Blizzard gave the Diablo II remake to Team 3, (the team behind the development of Diablo IV)” which is now “overseeing and working with Vicarious Visions on the project.”
Diablo II originally launched for PC on June 29, 2000, and was incredibly well-received, improving in numerous ways from its original predecessor. Diablo II is considered one of the most classic and greatest action-role-playing games ever by many. A remake has been rumored for a number of years now, so a promising report on the potential likelihood of the project is welcome news for Diablo fans.
