Diablo Creator David Brevik Slams Modern ARPGs for Ruining the Experience
David Brevik, the creator of Diablo, has criticized modern action RPGs (ARPGs) for their fast-paced design, arguing that the genre has lost some of its best qualities. He believes that the rapid leveling and excessive loot drops in today’s games have cheapened the experience compared to classic titles like Diablo 2.
Brevik’s Take on Modern ARPGs
Brevik, who played a key role in shaping the Diablo franchise, recently shared his concerns in an interview with VideoGamer. He feels that the instant gratification approach in modern ARPGs undermines the sense of achievement that used to define the genre. Comparing today’s games to Diablo 2, he noted that the slower pace of older ARPGs made progression feel more meaningful.
“I think that ARPGs have started to lean into this: kill swaths of enemies extremely quickly, get showered with loot, and level up constantly. The screen is littered with items you don’t even care about,” Brevik explained. He argues that while this design may feel exciting in the short term, it ultimately diminishes the long-term satisfaction of playing these games.
The Loot and Leveling Problem
One of Brevik’s biggest criticisms is the way modern ARPGs handle loot and leveling. Older titles required players to work hard for valuable items, making rare gear feel like a true reward. In contrast, newer games frequently flood players with loot, making individual drops less meaningful. This shift, he believes, has taken away a key part of what made classic ARPGs so engaging.
Diablo 4: A Prime Example?
Brevik’s comments come at a time when Diablo 4 has been both a massive success and a major disappointment for many fans. Released in June 2023, Diablo 4 became Blizzard’s fastest-selling game ever, logging over 93 million hours played during its early access period. However, despite its commercial success, the game has faced significant backlash from players. On Metacritic, it currently holds a dismal user score of 2.5/10, a stark contrast to the 8.8/10 rating of Diablo 2.
Many fans agree with Brevik’s criticism, arguing that Diablo 4 and other modern ARPGs prioritize quantity over quality when it comes to rewards and progression. While flashy abilities and frequent level-ups may feel good in the moment, they can ultimately lead to a less satisfying overall experience.
Will Developers Listen?
Brevik’s words serve as a warning to modern game developers. While instant gratification mechanics may drive short-term engagement, they risk alienating long-time fans who crave the depth and challenge of classic ARPGs. Whether future Diablo titles and other ARPGs will take his advice remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the debate over the direction of the genre is far from over.
