Blizzard is currently developing not only one, but multiple mobile titles based on its existing IP. Not only are they being made, but Blizzard says the games are in "advanced" stages of development.
Coming off of yet another successful fiscal year, the video game giant is set to unveil its latest and greatest developments at the rapidly approaching BlizzCon. Dubbed BlizzConline, this year's convention will be held in a strictly online format in response to the ongoing pandemic. Blizzard is also celebrating its 30th anniversary, offering players digital rewards in its various games.
During Blizzard's most recent financial earnings call, CEO Bobby Kotick spoke with investors regarding plans to expand upon one of their most popular franchises, Warcraft. Kotick explains that the company is focused on delivering more frequent "premium content," in an effort to expand the World of Warcraft community. In step with this strategy, he elaborates that Blizzard has created multiple free-to-play mobile Warcraft titles, all of which are in "advanced development" stages.
Beyond the Warcraft IP, the Blizzard executive spoke on another in-development mobile title, the heavily divisive Diablo Immortal. Kotick claims the game's limited test trials have generated positive reviews, although Immortal's "The Market" feature has rekindled wariness akin to Diablo 3's Auction House.
There have been rumors of a mobile Warcraft game swirling for several years now, ever since Blizzard posted several jobs in 2017 that hinted they were based on the Warcraft franchise. A prevalent rumor in 2018 suggested that the studio was working on an AR-style game, a la Pokemon GO. Given the fact that Kotick stated there are multiple projects in the works, this could mean even more titles are in store. One such title could possibly be the recently reported Diablo 2 remake.
Blizzard recently merged remake veteran studio Vicarious Visions, the company responsible for the immensely popular Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 +2 and Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy. All signs point to the same team helming the Diablo 2 remake, tentatively titled Diablo 2: Resurrected, although nothing has been entirely confirmed.
Blizzard technically does have a Warcraft mobile title, although more Warcraft-adjacent in the form of Hearthstone. The popular turn-based card game just received its 19.4 patch, which includes the release of its first mini-set expansion. The prospect of several "premium" mobile games coming from an extremely well-established developer should get plenty of Blizzard fans excited, especially since they're supposed to be free-to-play.
While it should be exciting to see the creators behind Warcraft, Overwatch, and Diablo diversify its offerings, many fans just simply aren't on board with playing games on their phones. Fortunately, Activision-Blizzard has more video game remasters planned for 2021. Hopefully, BlizzConline reveals more in the coming weeks.
Blizzard has multiple mobile titles currently in development.
Source: IGN