Diablo IV released in June of 2023, has had ups and downs as the developers implement different “season” updates every few months. The latest one, season four – “Loot Reborn,” has brought the game back before its first anniversary in June. This new season had taken major changes in endgame craft making, and adjusted loot and rates for some of the rarer drops in the game. Due to these changes, players should have an easier time securing high quality, late game gear. The resulting change has definitely had an impact with an 212% increase in player base reported as of the end of last week, Sunday May 19th. This increase is monumental, especially right before the anniversary, but also in comparison to the success of Diablo IV’s other season updates.
The first season “Season of the Malignant” was released in July of 2023 to less than rave reviews. Instead it was noted for being an endless grind that sapped all enjoyment out of the game – the death knell of every RPG. The extremely small increase in player base after this makes sense in this context, clocking in at about 6%. Luckily though, the second season “Season of Blood” was released in October to a much higher influx of players. Whether these players were new or returnees who had fallen off during the course of season one is impossible to say. Season two clocked in with 104% increase of players at launch. Season three – “Season of the Construct” – has a showing between one and two but closer to Season two. Three clocked in a 76% increase in players and was released in January of 2024.
In the context of Diablo IV’s first year, season four is already proving to be a stand out. The changes the devs have made might just be exactly what fans were looking for to get back into the game. At least at its launch it presents a game that is less focused on grinding and more about experiencing the world the developers have offered. What the developers plan to do for their anniversary next month, and where they hope to take the game in the future are still open to ideas.