The latest entry in the Diablo series could soon reach even more players, boosting Blizzard’s (and Microsoft’s) results worldwide.
Diablo IV has received approval from the Chinese government. This makes Diablo IV one of just seven foreign titles granted a license in July, alongside games like Marvel Mystic Mayhem. Released in June 2021, Diablo IV is the latest in the franchise, blending elements from Diablo 2 and 3 as players set out to stop Lilith. It’s also the first game in the series to feature an open world, allowing players to meet and team up with other heroes they encounter. Frequent updates, new features, and ongoing class balancing, along with regular in-game events, keep the game fresh and engaging.
With its approval for distribution in China, the game can now be played and sold there. The timing couldn’t be better, as Diablo IV’s latest event has been extended, giving new players extra time to take advantage of bonus rewards. Game licenses are hard to secure in China—only seven titles were approved in July—but Blizzard boasts a strong international presence through several of its IPs. World of Warcraft and Hearthstone have large audiences in China, which account for a significant portion of global sales. Additionally, in 2024, Blizzard renewed its partnership with NetEase to bring Diablo Immortal and World of Warcraft back to China after the 2022 dispute.
The mobile spin-off even received exclusive Chinese New Year cosmetics available only in China. Given Blizzard’s prior success with Chinese releases, Diablo IV is likely to see significant player growth. PlayStation also included Diablo IV in the PlayStation Plus Essential lineup for July, further broadening its audience.
The game features six character classes, each with a multitude of possible builds. Last year, Diablo IV received its first expansion, Vessel of Hatred, which introduced a sixth class and more content—and Blizzard is working on further expansions. With new seasons arriving every few months and adding fresh mechanics to shake up builds, it’s no surprise the developers have teased major changes coming to Diablo IV soon.
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