OG Diablo 2 devs are 'proud' that their classic ARPG is still getting love, but also 'conflicted' as they now compete with Blizzard as indies
PC Gamer
by Tyler Wilde February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The original developers of *Diablo 2*, including lead character artist Phil Shenk and programmer Peter Hu, are experiencing mixed emotions as their classic ARPG continues to thrive. While they are proud of the game's enduring popularity, they now find themselves competing with Blizzard—once their employer—as indie developers promoting their new title, *Darkhaven*. The remaster of *Diablo 2* and its recent addition of a Warlock class have reignited interest in the game, but this also means the original team is vying against their own legacy work. Despite the competition, they see it as a testament to *Diablo 2*'s lasting impact.
The developers of *Darkhaven* are leveraging their decades of experience at Blizzard to create a unique blend of traditional ARPG elements and modern survival game mechanics. The game aims to offer open-ended, procedurally generated worlds with features like deformable terrain, mining, building, and mod support. This ambitious project is designed to appeal to players who enjoy both the depth of *Diablo* and the freedom of games like *Valheim*. The team has already raised $200,000 toward a $500,000 Kickstarter goal, demonstrating strong early interest in their vision.
Shenk and Hu acknowledge the challenges of competing against Blizzard but remain optimistic about *Darkhaven*'s potential. They emphasize that their game is not just another *Diablo* clone; it aims to carve out its own niche by offering fresh gameplay elements and a distinct world-building approach. The team has spent over four years developing the game, with funding from venture capitalists and personal investments. Their demo, available on Steam, showcases features like a world editor and unique mechanics such as double jumping and swimming, highlighting their commitment to innovation.
For gamers, *Darkhaven* represents an exciting opportunity to see how the original minds behind *Diablo 2* can innovate in the indie space. The project not only offers a new perspective on ARPG design but also highlights the growing trend of blending traditional RPG elements with modern survival gameplay. As *Diablo 2* continues to receive updates and attention, the story of its creators branching out as indies adds another layer of intrigue for fans of both the original game and the evolving landscape of PC gaming.
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Originally published on PC Gamer on 2/24/2026