Highlights
- The introduction of new classes in Diablo 4's live-service model raises concerns about the lack of aesthetic options for new classes compared to those available at launch.
- The first season of Diablo 4 has not met fans' expectations, so avoiding criticism about new classes should be a priority.
- The release of new classes in Diablo 4 should be accompanied by a variety of cosmetic options, as the retention of players for these classes may depend on the available customization options at launch.
As Blizzard fine-tunes its live-service model for Diablo 4, many are wondering how the studio will approach the introduction of new classes to the game. Given the pattern emerging with the recent release of season one and the game's first battle pass, many feel that unless Blizzard has a plan for retroactively adding cosmetic content from prior seasons' themes, Diablo 4's post-launch classes will suffer from a lack of aesthetic options compared to those available at launch.
There has been some recent tension between Blizzard and its fans, as the first season of Diablo 4, meant to showcase studio's long-term support for the game, has not lived up to most of their expectations. The Malignant Heart system shows promise and adds an additional layer of longevity to Diablo 4's grind, some find its implementation to be half-baked. Other criticisms circle around the battle pass being a poor value, and sweeping balance changing neutering player's builds. Hope remains that Blizzard will right the ship, with a recent developer post acknowledging that mistakes were made and are actively in the process of being rectified, but as far as first impressions for Diablo 4's post-launch support, season one has not lived up to its potential. If Blizzard is not careful about its approach to new classes, more controversy could be on the way.
Blizzard Has to Strategize Its Release of New Classes
Even before its launch, speculation ran rampant on what classes Blizzard would add to Diablo 4 over the course of its lifespan. From classic fan-favorites to new, inspired niche-filling archetypes, there are plenty to choose from, and while no timeline has been established for the release of its first new class, there is hope that it will release sooner rather than later. Some theories place the release of a new class at the start of season three or four, in conjunction with the rollout of leaderboards, though at this point it is all just conjecture.
When a new class finally does arrive for Diablo 4, there will be one glaring issue Blizzard will need to address for parity across the rest of the game. Between the in-game shop, the battle pass, and the transmog system, each of the game's current five classes have a wealth of cosmetic options for players to custom-tailor to their liking. The live-service model will only grow the depths of these customization options, which creates an issue for a hypothetical sixth class. While players will undoubtedly flock to it due to being new, the retention for players of that class may hinge on what cosmetics are available for it at launch, and unless Blizzard intends to release its new class alongside a well of cosmetic options specifically for it, players will feel short-changed on its offering.
Balance of Cosmetic Options is Nearly as Important as Balance of Gameplay
This issue will only grow in size the longer it takes for Blizzard to get a new class introduced to Diablo 4's ecosystem. The seasonal cycle of new customization options will create a rift between what classes have been supported since launch and which were tacked on after the fact. The easiest solution is a catch-22, as producing cosmetics for a new class will take time and resources, which, if Blizzard plans to release alongside the new class, will elongate its development time, widening the rift between old and new. The cosmetics for Diablo 4's battle pass not being class-specific are a partial solve to the issue, but an imperfect one.
The alternative is to produce a class so enticing that its lack of varied cosmetics pale in comparison to its design and fun-factor. In all likelihood, whatever season entails a new class for Diablo 4 will have a battle pass centered around it, as well as a few sets for it in the in-game shop. Something akin to the offerings for each class at launch will more-than-likely hold fans over, though only if the class is well-designed. Blizzard is no stranger to criticism, and has proven its ability to address feedback effectively, but only time will tell if its vision of Diablo 4 as a long-term mainstay for its players will come to fruition.
Diablo 4 is available for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
