TITLE
To Hell and Back: Inside the Tumultuous Making of Diablo IV
AUTHOR
Adam Morgan
PUBLICATION
Esquire
YEAR
2023
ARTICLE TYPE
Article
FROM THE ARTICLE
At the same time, Blizzard’s corporate turmoil during the development of Diablo IV made it the most dramatic story in the entertainment industry—a real-life mashup between the dysfunction of Apple TV’s Mythic Quest and the intrigue of HBO’s Succession. After allegations of harassment and discrimination toward women in high-profile lawsuits, a massive employee walkout, and staff attrition, Blizzard fired Diablo IV’s original leaders less than two years ago.“Working on Diablo IV was one of the most traumatizing game experiences of my life,” a former Blizzard employee tells me, speaking of the early years under the game’s first director and lead designer. Compare that quote to this one from Naz Hartoonian, a producer who joined the team in August 2021: “I’ve been treated with nothing but the utmost respect, and everybody has been an absolute joy to work with.”
COMPANIES MENTIONED
Blizzard
GAMES MENTIONED
Diablo IV
TOPICS MENTIONED
Working Conditions