Interview: World Map, Open World, Campaign and Fame System – Diablo IV

An extended interview with Rod Fergusson and Joe Shely continues to shed some light on the features coming to Diablo 4. This time they delve into the open world that will be available to players, as well as the campaign design.

world map

• The developers have worked a lot on the world map. It is important to display geographic information so that players can easily position themselves, but to avoid overloading them with data and turning the map into a to-do list.
• The world map has to be accurate and useful while merging visually into the fictional world of Diablo 4, to look like a real “old map”.

Open world and campaign design

• Diablo 4’s open world doesn’t follow the same premise or rules as a game like Breath of the Wild. The game’s story is linear but contains branching lines that will give players freedom of choice throughout the campaign.
• After the introduction, players will be able to freely choose between actions.
• In addition to the campaign, players can complete side quests and non-campaign-related content in the open world. This allows players to do whatever they want, with elements that allow them to return to the main story whenever they want.
• The open world focuses heavily on combat. You can be attacked at any time.
• The density of enemies is important, but you should avoid placing too many monsters. During development there were times when the density was so high that it was difficult to travel through an area with your carrier, and that wasn’t the point.

fame system

• Diablo 4’s Renown system is closely related to the open world design. Offers rewards to players who actively explore areas during the campaign.
• With the fame system, players will be rewarded with ability points not only for their current character, but also for future characters.