Darkhaven: Diablo 2 Veterans Forge New ARPG Path Amidst Revived Legacy

A peculiar situation has emerged for the original creators of Diablo 2. While Blizzard recently revitalized their classic action RPG with a new Warlock class and a Steam launch, these very developers, now operating as Moon Beast Productions, find themselves in a unique competition: their own enduring legacy.

Phil Shenk, lead character artist for the original Diablo 2, voiced his satisfaction regarding the continued popularity of their decades-old creation. He and programmer Peter Hu, alongside designer Erich Schaefer, are currently immersed in the development of Darkhaven, a new action RPG. They are actively seeking funding for Darkhaven's ongoing development through a Kickstarter campaign, having already secured a portion of their goal. The team acknowledges the inherent challenge of an indie studio competing against a major entity, especially when that entity is enhancing a game they originally crafted. However, they maintain a positive outlook, emphasizing that their vision for Darkhaven diverges significantly from merely replicating Diablo's formula, incorporating elements from modern survival genres to create an innovative player experience.

The developers' ambitious project for Darkhaven includes procedurally generated, dynamically responsive open worlds, featuring mechanics such as deformable terrain, digging, mining, and building. The game also promises extensive mod support and flexible multiplayer options, allowing players to choose between solo adventures, cooperative play with friends, or participation in large-scale multiplayer servers. This commitment to innovation is underscored by the release of a playable demo prior to the Kickstarter launch, demonstrating a tangible product beyond just conceptual ideas, reflecting their four years of dedicated effort funded by venture capital and personal investments.

This evolving landscape highlights the dynamic nature of game development, where past successes can inspire future endeavors while also presenting a unique form of competitive pressure. The creators of Darkhaven embrace this challenge, channeling their expertise and passion into crafting a novel experience that honors their roots while pushing the boundaries of the ARPG genre.