From our “Not Exactly a Surprise” department comes a report that David Brevik, one of the key personnel in creating Diablo, fears and hates what his progeny has become.
OK, so we’re exaggerating. But Brevik did have this to say:
I am sad because people are outraged and, you know, some of the decision they have made are not the decisions I would make and there have been changes in philosophy and that hasn’t gone over very well. I think in that way I am a little sad.
I am also a little happy, which I hate to say, it shows that the people that were involved in Diablo really did matter, and so I am happy that it has come to light that how talented that group was and how unique and special that group was. I am hoping that, as this happens very often in the industry, you see it with Call of Duty and things like that , when the people leave the game changes and it shows how critical people are in this industry.
In other words, Blizzard, your game is bad and you should feel bad. Apparently the butthurt spilled out onto Facebook as Blizzard’s employees threw a sulk. And also unknowingly revealed something very wrong with the industry.
My personal favorite is how somebody pointed out that Blizzard’s crew made the fastest selling PC game of all time, while Brevik made Hellgate: London.
This would have more weight if Diablo III were in any way better than Hellgate: London. But it isn’t.
Financially I’m sure the game is a success but in terms of customer relations, watching Blizzard go down in flames has been horrific. This was a company that built itself on customer service and respect, and within six months has managed to waste almost all of that goodwill.
The always-on Internet connection has blatantly failed to prevent bots and scammers while annoying its legitimate customers. The Real Money Auction House has served as an ethical black hole the company seems unable to crawl out of. And the worst part is Blizzard’s consistent refusal to just let it go.
Yeah, you made a lot of money on Diablo III. Just hope that all is forgiven for Diablo IV.