It’s no secret that video games have changed over the years, but when it comes to action RPGs, things are moving at lightning speed, literally. David Brevik, the mastermind behind the original Diablo, recently voiced some strong opinions about how rapidly players can level up in modern titles.
In a recent chat with Videogamer, Brevik expressed concerns that fast leveling “cheapens the entire experience.” He pointed out that in games like Diablo 3, players can hit level 70 within just a few hours of gameplay. For those of us who remember spending days grinding through dungeons and slaying hordes of enemies for every precious XP point, this might feel like sacrilege!
Brevik fondly reminisced about Diablo 2, where leveling felt more rewarding due to its slower pace. It’s as if he’s saying that the journey matters more than reaching the destination, which resonates deeply with many long-time fans. After all, isn’t there something special about finally achieving that next level after hours of effort? He argues that it makes each victory feel earned rather than handed out like candy.
The former Diablo designer also critiqued modern ARPGs for their tendency to bombard players with vast hordes of enemies. In his eyes, this approach detracts from what made past entries so appealing: personal encounters and strategic combat. “I don’t find killing screen-fulls of things instantly enticing,” he said bluntly. Coming from someone who crafted one of gaming’s most beloved franchises, that’s quite an assertion!
This debate sparks a broader conversation among gamers today: Are we losing something essential in pursuing faster gameplay? With rumors swirling about a Switch 2 port of Diablo 4, it’ll be interesting to see how developers balance speed and depth as they move forward.
