Diablo Netflix Series Rumors Resurrected By Activision Blizzard President
If there’s one thing you can always rely on from Blizzard, it’s stunning cinematics. I remember sitting down as far back as Diablo II and letting the hype wash over me. It’s led many people to wonder why Blizzard doesn’t take the leap into full animated series. With the recent controversies over Hearthstone, Hong Kong, and Overwatch 2, there’s no denying that the gaming juggernaut could do with a little goodwill. Well, with the recent tumors of a Diablo and Overwatch animated series, it just might be what they need to win fans back.
Though rumors of animated Diablo and Overwatch series stretch back to 2018 and 2019 respectively, new details have emerged that hint we might be getting them soon. On his LinkedIn profile, Activision Blizzard Co-President recently added two new listings to his extensive professional history. One was as, “executive producer of Diablo, A TV adaptation of Blizzard Entertainment’s IP.” He also elaborates that the show is done anime style, similar to the Castlevania Netflix series. He also lists that he, “developed and sold an animated series based on Blizzard’s Overwatch franchise.” Seems like pretty strong evidence that a Diablo and Overwatch animated series are in the pipes.
Of the two, I think that we’re far more likely to be adding Diablo to our watchlist soon than Overwatch. Overwatch is far less tested of a franchise, and it frankly lacks a cohesive tone and visual style. The story functions as a way to get 30+ distinct characters into an arena together, but I’d hate to be the guy in charge of making Roadhog and Sigma both fit into a cohesive narrative. Maybe if we still put out cartoons like the 70’s Super Friends. If they want to do Overwatch in a modern art style with the tone of Super Friends, I will watch that shit on repeat until they get the million views they need to make a sequel.
Diablo, on the other hand, is an easier show to make. The series has been going on for a very long time, and most younger gamers won’t have the patience to go back and play the first two games to figure out the plot. Hell, I can’t remember the plot of Diablo, and I beat the damned thing three times. All that stuck in my juvenile brain was the Butcher saying “fresh meat” and that the people hanging on his walls gave me nightmares. A series recapping the events of the first game would be greatly appreciated. Given that the original characters were basically blank slates, it gives a lot of room to establish compelling TV characters with more complex motivations and relationships.
What do you guys think? Stoaked on a new Diablo show? Let me know what you think in the comments or on Twitter!
