Diablo 4 has reached a new all-time low on Twitch

For many dedicated aRPG enthusiasts, these numbers reveal a sobering reality about Diablo 4. The key issue lies in the game's watchability, or the lack thereof. While numerous players do somehow still find find enjoyment in the gameplay, it's not just that fun to watch. The loot-driven excitement, a signature component of the earlier Diablo games, is notably absent. In past iterations like Diablo 2 and Diablo 3, the thrill of witnessing rare item drops kept the viewers and players alike hooked, with every piece potentially revolutionizing their gaming experience.

Unfortunately, Diablo 4 appears to have diluted this vital aspect of gameplay.

In Diablo 4, loot feels strangely inconsequential. The likelihood of obtaining an item that markedly enhances gameplay is minuscule. The endgame, which should ideally offer the most compelling loot and challenges, feels empty and barren. The absence of compelling dungeons, challenging bosses, and diverse loot makes the experience monotonous, both for players and viewers.

In contrast, Diablo 3 had managed to strike a balance that made it possible for players to invest considerable hours into a season, enjoy a sense of achievement, and then take breaks until the next season, with surprises like the goblin shrine or rainbow rift breaking the monotony. Moreover, the itemization of Diablo 2 set such high standards that discussions about its merits, vis-à-vis its expansion, Diablo 2: Lord of Destruction, remain pertinent even decades later.

In a way, Diablo 4 has lost the soul that once made the series such a revered name. The consensus among a significant portion of the Diablo fanbase is that the game has become a cash cow for Activision Blizzard, prioritizing aesthetics and advertising over solid gameplay mechanics.

The current state of Diablo 4, especially juxtaposed against Path of Exile, paints a grim picture. Path of Exile's gameplay boasts an array of content, with streamers often showcasing unique builds and diverse in-game activities, ensuring that viewers witness a fresh experience with every stream. Diablo 4, on the other hand, appears years away from reaching such dynamism and depth.

Things are only going to get a lot worse for Diablo 4 as its second season doesn't inspire much confidence at all. It will likely take multiple seasons for Diablo 4 to correct the course. By then, you can't help but wonder, will people still be interested? Path of Exile 2 will launch two years from now. It might not kill Diablo 4, but it's probably only because the game will be dead already by then.

Despite its record-setting sales

, the majority of Diablo 4's player base has drafted away, choosing not to invest further in the game's content.

Diablo 4 had all the potential to reign supreme in the aRPG genre. Yet, like the Prime Evils, it was blinded by their own ambitions, faltering at the foundational level.

At this point, we can't rule out Blizzard possibly overhauling Diablo 4, similar to what Square Enix did with Final Fantasy 14 with the help of Naoki Yoshida. A decade later, Final Fantasy 14 is one of the most popular MMORPGs in the world, eschewing the free-to-play trend completely to march to the beat of its own drum.

Either way, with a restless fanbase yearning for the golden days of Diablo, the road to redemption for Diablo 4 is a long and uncertain one.