We aren’t sure how many players have left, not sure how many critiques have bashed this game calling it as Blizzard’s “worst game” of all time; but for people like us who still play Diablo 3, the situation doesn’t sound like hell as much as the media or some blabbers are trying to push in with their rants.
However, we can’t also deny the problems plaguing D3 and how many times we’ve seen our friends leaving just because they can’t stand the fact the game gets boring as soon as you finish its normal mode (which will only take amateurs less than 12 hours to accomplish).
Today, the moment of truth has finally arrived. And nope, we aren’t talking about an expansion here, but rather, the imminent arrival of patch 1.04.
Millions of Players Need a Refresh
Let’s check the facts first. Diablo 3 was released on that eventful day, the 15th of May, setting the record as the most sold PC game of all time, selling 6 million copies on its first 24 hours – more than what Starcraft 2 and WoW: Cataclysm have accomplished. Then, when players realized what the game is all about, many left. But even that’s the case; Blizzard announced during Activision’s Financial Call that D3 has 10 million users by July 31 (more than 900K than the total number of World of Warcraft players). The only thing they didn’t mention though is, are these users still active or not?
As you can see, it’s not really a question of popularity, but rather, how Blizzard will be able to maintain Diablo 3’s growth. And perhaps, the answer here lies on the arrival of Patch 1.04.
Patch 1.04 Will Be A Deciding Factor
Earlier today, Blizz’s venerable front-guy Bashiok revealed the first details for 1.04. For those who aren’t keeping up, this is the probably the biggest update players have been waiting for since the release of Diablo 3. And while the update still doesn’t have the PVP mode – several hints were detailed from this sticky like applying changes for D3’s core system, legendary item improvements, magic find swapping mechanics and even class changes – all sounds good to the ears.
From a player’s standpoint, this patch will be the deciding factor if Blizzard can really meet the demands of gamers because obviously, they made a mistake of implementing a gameplay wherein the only accomplishment you’ll gain is through ‘farming gears’.
Naturally, Diablo 3 has other issues that needs to be fixed like its poor storyline, rigid character customization and auction-house issues. However, just the mere fact that Blizzard is trying to push “system changes, legendary item improvement and class changes” already perks our ears and may keep us entertained for a couple more months or so; probably a reason for calling our friends who left the game and try to persuade them on returning.
Release Date
Now, this one’s a bit tricky but considering Patch 1.03 was revealed a month after devs revealed its preview (on June 6). We can have an estimate the new patch will arrive by the end of this month or will push until early-September.
So do you think Patch 1.04 can save Diablo 3 and its players from leaving? Show your comment below.
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