The early access launch of Diablo 4 served as a reminder that no amount of preparation can completely eliminate the possibility for error. Even after a last-minute server test, thousands of players struggled with connectivity issues right at the time of the game's servers going live. Thankfully, server issues and connectivity problems since June 1 have been kept to a relative minimum, and Blizzard has worked to prevent widespread issues with Diablo 4's servers to ensure players can keep adventuring in Sanctuary. But the title's turn as the first live-service game in the franchise comes with the caveat that it will require an always-online connection, and several players aren't happy about it.
The requirement of a persistent online connection to play a game is typical for any live-service title, and the always-online nature of these titles has often been a point of contention among players for a variety of reasons. In addition to the possibility of being completely locked out of a game due to uncontrollable internet outages or router problems, an always-online requirement denotes that a game will be completely inaccessible years down the road when the publisher and developer inevitably shut the servers down. Adding an Offline Mode in Diablo 4 could sidestep these issues while pleasing fans who take issue with the title's shift into live-service.
An Offline Mode in Diablo 4 Would Render Server Outages Irrelevant
Diablo 4 requires a persistent online connection even if one is planning on going it alone in Sanctuary. Whether playing with friends, joining in activities with strangers, or being a lone-wolf on a quest to stop Lilith, the great equalizer is the always-online requirement of the game. Though it's just been a few days since the game's official launch, it's been over a week since Deluxe and Ultimate Edition owners got to begin their time with Diablo 4. In that short amount of time, there have already been several major Diablo 4 server outages. Such is the nature of the always-online beast.
The introduction of an Offline Mode into Diablo 4 would allow players to engage with the game during these periods of downed connectivity, with progress carrying over to the player's BattleNet profile once they're able to log back in and connect their game to the servers. Instead of being blocked from playing a recently-purchased title during its time of peak activity, players could still enjoy all Diablo 4 has to offer while Blizzard irons out whatever issues are causing the servers to malfunction. It's a small quality of life feature, but one that would have arguably large ramifications.
Giving Players the Choice Whether to Interact With Diablo 4 as a Live-Service
The always-online requirement of live-service titles can be a red flag for some players, particularly as it relates to the game's preservation and longevity. Diablo 4 just launched and will be supported by Blizzard for years to come, but considering what happens to the title's servers when Blizzard moves on to Diablo 5 or the next major title paints a dire picture. As is often the case with live-service titles, once the next big push comes along, the servers for the older, less-active games are shut down. Ultimately, this renders the older games unplayable.
The requirement of a persistent online connection allows Blizzard to regularly and quickly push out balancing patches and content drops once the game's seasons begin, but there is arguably plenty to do in Diablo 4 in just the base game. Having the option for an Offline Mode could also give players the choice whether to engage with Diablo 4 as a live-service game. Instead of keeping players hooked with the FOMO that so often accompanies new seasonal drops for live-service games, those that feel Diablo 4 is a fully fledged experience without live-service content could enjoy it as such. The next several weeks will be a period of continued growth for Diablo 4, and hopefully an Offline Mode is part of it.
Diablo 4 is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
