Blizzard has taken a path less traveled with Diablo 4. While its previous outing, Overwatch 2, was the first to find its way to Steam, it did so much later in its lifecycle, where it was met with an avalanche of negative reviews. However, with the latest entry in the action RPG franchise, Blizzard has opted to embrace both Steam and the certification for the Steam Deck simultaneously. This coincides beautifully with the delayed onset of Diablo 4’s Season 2, the Season of Blood, a season that draws its inspiration from the timeless lore of vampires.
We can only speculate about why Blizzard is finally opening its once-exclusive doors to other platforms. But, the impact are clear. By doing this, Blizzard aims to broaden the game’s audience. Given the “live” aspects of the game, which may not be performing to their anticipated standards, this move could be a strategic play to bolster those metrics. To be a lot more specific, the Steam Deck, with its handheld gaming design, feels like it was almost tailor-made for a game like Diablo 4.
Now, while many might wonder why Blizzard didn’t take this route initially, one can’t ignore the financial aspects. Steam does take its 30% cut, a cost that Blizzard doesn’t incur with its internal launcher. Moreover, with Diablo 4’s plethora of high-priced microtransactions, introducing the game to Steam implies sharing a significant chunk of that revenue. The good news is that, should this maneuver prove fruitful in amplifying the player count, the economic trade-offs might be justifiable.
Diablo 4 isn’t just any game – it comes bearing weighty expectations. The base game, with its main storyline, is a strength albeit that’s not exactly saying much. In the meantime, Blizzard has worked diligently to translate the success of the Diablo 3 seasonal model to Diablo 4, devoting more resources to this endeavor. Season 2, with its promise of improved endgame activities, coupled with its availability on Steam, could potentially be the answer to the challenges faced by its inaugural season.
But there’s more to the story. Diablo 4 was previously available to play on the Steam Deck. Unfortunately, the process wasn’t the smoothest, requiring players to jump through certain hoops. Now, with Diablo 4’s availability directly on Steam, the complications are eliminated. Just download the game, and Valve’s Proton technology will handle the intricacies.
The integration with Steam also brings with it several added perks. For one, the game is now fully compatible with the Steam Deck’s hardware. While potential players should be prepared for a hefty download (a whopping 90 GB), it’s now more optimized on this platform. And for those who’ve already delved deep into the game on other platforms, its cross-save feature ensures that progress isn’t lost. By linking the Steam version to their Battle.net account, players can enjoy a seamless transition of their game progress. It’s worth noting, however, that to experience Diablo 4 on Steam, a repurchase is required, even if one already owns a version on another platform.
But the news isn’t all just about platforms and numbers. It’s about accessibility and gaming experiences. Especially for those who were previously hesitant to dive into the game, this could be the perfect opportunity. The game itself offers a substantial amount of enjoyment. Many players have garnered well over a 100 hours of gameplay before feeling any sense of repetition. For those embarking on their first playthrough, concerns regarding endgame content are easier to set aside. Diablo 4, at its core, is a game that promises a captivating journey, making it a good game for beginners.
To further sweeten the deal, for a limited time, Diablo 4 is available at a discounted price of 25% on Steam. This helps elevate its allure.
With new seasons, platform expansions, and continuous efforts to refine the gaming experience, Blizzard seems poised to ensure that Diablo 4 gets better. Now, with its availability on Steam and the Steam Deck, it invites a broader audience to partake in the adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned player or someone contemplating their first foray into the realm, now might be the opportune moment to embark on the journey that is Diablo 4.
Now, all that’s left is for the new management to bring Diablo 4 to the Game Pass, which isn’t happening until next year, at the very least.
