The masterminds of the original Diablo series are set to create a new action RPG that captures the magic of the classics while breaking new ground with innovative ideas.

With the success of Diablo 4, the release of its Vessel of Hatred expansion, and the early access debut of Path of Exile 2, action RPG fans are enjoying a golden age of loot-filled adventures. In this exciting landscape, Moon Beast Productions—a studio founded in 2021 by veterans of Diablo 1 and 2—is preparing to contribute its own unique vision to the genre. The team recently secured $4.5 million in seed funding to bring their ambitious project to life.

A press release celebrating the studio’s funding milestone explained that Moon Beast is “charting a new course for action RPGs,” and with its founders’ impressive track records, it’s clear they have a keen sense of where the genre can evolve. Erich Schaefer, Moon Beast’s chief creative officer, began his ARPG career as lead designer for Diablo 1. Later, he teamed up with CEO Phil Shenk and president Peter Hu on iconic titles like Diablo 2, Hellgate: London, and Torchlight.

The studio’s investors include 1AM Gaming, 1UP Ventures, Overwolf, and a diverse network of angel investors, including Gaingels, Cohh Carnage, and Zynga founder Mark Pincus—though fans may recall some polarizing Farmville memories from that last name.

“For the past two decades, we’ve envisioned ARPG gameplay in dynamic, open worlds,” Schaefer stated in the press release. “Now, with the latest technological advancements and decades of design experience, we’re ready to make those visions a reality. We’re revisiting the magic of the early Diablo games while exploring new, exciting directions.”

Details about Moon Beast’s ARPG remain under wraps until next year, but president Peter Hu emphasized the importance of player-created content—or “mods,” in less formal terms—as a cornerstone of their design philosophy. “Our world-building technology is inherently dynamic, making it remarkably easy for players to create and integrate their own content,” Hu explained. “We’re designing in-game tools that will allow players to not just modify the game but create entirely new modes using our advanced ARPG client-server systems.”

CEO Phil Shenk drew comparisons to the emergence of MOBAs from Warcraft 3 mods, stating: “Our user-generated content tools could inspire entirely new genres built on ARPG mechanics and systems.”

It’s an ambitious vision, but the malleable nature of ARPGs has proven its potential. Grinding Gear Games has demonstrated this versatility through Path of Exile’s leagues and updates, integrating tower defense mechanics, settlement building, and more into the Diablo-like core gameplay. Meanwhile, Blizzard continues experimenting with its open-world ARPG concept in each new Diablo 4 season.

(The image is a Gemini AI generated artwork and not the actual artwork of the game, because it doesn’t exist yet.)

Source: PC Gamer