As part of a new developer interview, developer Blizzard Entertainment has provided a deeper insight into the concept of announced action role-playing game Diablo 5. As confirmed by game director Joe Shely and narrative director Jennifer Hepler, the sequel’s campaign relies on a three-part narrative structure that covers the past, present, and future of the game world, Sanctuary. After the final victory of the Dread Lords determines the starting situation, the emergence of powerful hell creatures (so-called Dread Commanders) dynamically changes each biome. The system, dubbed Terrorforming by the developers, combines procedural generation with changing environmental conditions, meaning areas visited radically transform in visual and interest based on the enemy faction’s remaining influence.
The narrative direction of “Diablo 5” is a clear departure from the standards of the previous series, placing the focus entirely on an asylum that has been occupied by the forces of Hell. Three temporal narrative levels describe the primitive depravity of the world in the past, the struggle for survival and the desolation of the present, as well as the progressive demonization of the hordes of hell in the future.
The relevant person in charge said that this comprehensive setting ultimately determined that we did not use the plot as a further expansion of the previous game, but developed a complete sequel.
The newly introduced “Terrorforming” plays a central role and is closely intertwined with the procedurally generated overworld and dungeon systems. When powerful generals from an invading army occupy a region, they shape the associated biome with their specific powers. For example, if an area is under the control of an undead commander, the area becomes an undead-infested wasteland. If players mess with this state or humans take back parts, the environment will dynamically adapt the next time they visit.
Through a combination of dark storytelling, time-shifting perspectives, and procedural environment shifts, Blizzard says it hopes to deliver the series’ most ambitious campaign yet. The greatly reduced shelters and ever-changing game areas interact to enhance the feel of an unpredictable, hostile world.
