Blizzard wrapped up the Diablo 4 Season 4 PTR (Public Check Realm) earlier this week after a couple of week of testing. Not solely was this the primary time Diablo 4 gamers have been in a position to check out content material nicely forward of its launch, it was additionally crucial contemplating the magnitude of what was being proposed.
The Diablo 4 PTR was mainly created to permit gamers to supply suggestions on a number of basic modifications that have an effect on loot high quality/frequency, itemisation rules, some gameplay mechanics and way more. The modifications are set to reach within the sport with Season 4 on Might 14, which is way sufficient away to permit Blizzard to digest and utilise that suggestions.
Given Blizzard’s many missteps with Diablo 4, particularly not too long ago with huge characteristic delays, a botched limited-time occasion, a string of inappropriately-priced microtransactions, and a 3rd season that has been virtually universally panned, the sport’s fame was at an all-time low.
When the PTR was introduced, there was undoubtedly a ‘however does anybody care?’ cloud hanging over it. The excellent news is that the PTR was precisely what Blizzard – and Diablo 4 – wanted, in additional methods than one.
Chatting with IGN in a brand new interview, Diablo GM Rod Fergusson agreed that the key modifications Season 4 is introducing to the sport are designed, partly, to deliver gamers again into the fold. However what could have been just a little shocking to be taught was that the PTR already managed to do this.
“We’ve even seen that within the PTR itself,” Fergusson revealed. “There have been some individuals who hadn’t participated in seasons who’ve participated within the PTR. So we all know there’s one thing actually thrilling about the best way we’re altering up that system.”
As shocking as that could be, it’s value maintaining in thoughts that the entire gameplay modifications coming with Season 4 can even be current in the principle sport. In different phrases, gamers who by no means care about or wish to have interaction with seasons will nonetheless profit from all that work, so it is smart to obtain it and see for your self.
That begs the query, nonetheless: does Blizzard intend to open a PTR for each season going ahead? Not essentially. The reply actually lies in managing a stability between permitting for among the surprises Blizzard is engaged on to be spoiled, and the need for real participant suggestions.
“The success of the PTR for Season 4 does level within the route of one thing we might wish to proceed to do,” mentioned Fergusson
“However no-one ought to take that as gospel that we will be doing PTRs for each season. As a result of there are occasions once we’re nonetheless going to wish to have the shock be extra significant than the suggestions in that second.”
Fergusson is, after all, referring to the chance of datamining of future content material, one thing that occurs to virtually each sport as of late. Certainly, gamers dug by way of the current PTR to find what’s very possible going to be the key theme of Season 4, the return of a famed Diablo 2 faction and a extra.
Fergusson defined that, unsurprisingly, the choice to open up check servers forward of an enormous launch will likely be selected a case-by-case foundation.
“And so each season we will have that dialog of, can we wish to PTR this or not?” he mentioned.
“And what we felt like, Season 4 being so essentially completely different and so foundational in its modifications, like we’re altering how the sport actually performs, that we higher get suggestions early, and in order that’s why we had the PTR.”
Blizzard will possible go heads-down now following the PTR’s closure to pour over participant impressions and suggestions, so we’re not more likely to hear from the developer till it’s prepared or tease or reveal Season 4. We do hope, nonetheless, that we get a post-PTR livestream to debate classes realized and such.