Diablo 4 just announced it is changing the font it is using in certain parts of the upcoming ARPG. This change is one of many Diablo 4 is implementing in response to feedback during its recent open beta.
During March, Diablo 4 held two beta weekend events, the second of which was open to the public. The Diablo 4 beta was one of its most successful in history, with record-breaking swarms of players enjoying the first morsels of the new Blizzard title.
However, one detail from the Diablo 4 beta didn’t land well with players. The sans serif font used in game, especially for gold and item drops on the overworld, looked bland and uninspired. In a recent blog post detailing the changes Diablo 4 would be implementing based on player feedback, it confirmed it would be changing up the typeface in certain parts of the game from a sans serif font to a serif font.
Serif fonts like Times New Roman have extensions and strokes at the end of letters, while sans serif fonts such as Arial do not. Because sans serif fonts are often used in digital publications, they tend to have a more modern and sleek feel, while serif fonts–frequently found in books and newspapers–are more stylized and traditional. This decision to change fonts will help improve the dark fantasy feel of Diablo 4 in a subtle, but important way.
Exocet, the iconic font associated with the franchise, was used extensively in Diablo 1 and 2. While extremely stylish, Exocet is not easy to read, leading Diablo 3 to use it sparingly. Loot in Diablo 3 also used a sans serif font until the Reaper of Souls expansion, which swapped to a more stylistic serif typeface. Though players don’t know exactly what the new font will look like, or how the text will be changed, it seems Diablo 4 is repeating history by following in the footsteps of its predecessor sooner rather than later.
Players are almost unanimously thankful Diablo 4 is making this change. Serif typefaces are much more legible than sans serif ones, especially in small point fonts. Most Diablo 4 fans agree this new font will be easier on the eyes and will look much better. It will also help distance Diablo 4 from Diablo Immortal–the contentious mobile title that also used a sans serif font for loot. With Diablo 4’s launch in less than two months, players won’t have to wait long to see this new font in action.
Diablo 4 will release for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S on June 6.
