To Hell and Back: Inside the Tumultuous Making of Diablo IV – Esquire (2023)

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