Diablo 4 developer Blizzard has said it expects a smooth PS5, PS4 launch next month thanks to the betas and series of server stress tests it's conducted over recent months. Speaking with Eurogamer, it's revealed the team has been doing internal tests with millions of bot accounts for over a year now, and has learned a lot when real-life players are involved.
Associate game director Joe Piepiora said every pre-release test has been "transformational" as the studio learns of its technical capacity and works towards the smoothest launch possible. "These are not marketing betas. None of them were. Everything has been about, we need data to make sure the launch goes smooth. That's entirely the purpose of the betas we did." Even during the recent server slam, Blizzard discovered backend issues that would have affected Diablo 4's launch. "We caught those only because we did this extra weekend."
Piepiora also spoke about how internal testing on an always-online title can only get you so far, so putting it out in a live setting for real players to test was essential. "When you have people coming through different ISPs and coming in through different servers around the world, there's so much more data you get from that. And with each of those we found lots of little things that happen, like this happens with clan invitations, this happens when you join a party in a certain way — lots of little things like that across the board."
Slated for a PS5, PS4 release on 6th June 2023, Diablo 4 is a game that requires a constant internet connection to play. It's encouraging to hear Blizzard is confident in its ability to deliver a smooth experience on day one, but if this article is getting linked back to in a few weeks, then it's probably all gone pear-shaped.
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[source eurogamer.net]
Comments 18
I need this to be true.
Regardless of what happens, the puppy won me over 🤷
It also helps that some versions of the game (deluxe & ultimate) release 4 days earlier which will stagger the server load. Hopefully by the time of the full release on June 6 they will be ready.
I will believe it when I see it lol
Probably break on playstation but work perfectly on xbox and pc 🤣 as blizzard hits out at sony for ENGLAND rejecting the deal that's ENGLAND not uk even tho all media has it as UK London doesn't tell scottish what to do
Even on the beta weekends, Fridays were rough. But Saturday and Sunday were super smooth. This server slam, no issues at all. I hope things are fine. We'll see.
@FenIsMightier Agree 100%. The best way to play a Blizzard game is to expect it to be broken for a month and then jump in. I’m not buying into the hype until I read the reviews.
Played a bit of the beta on saturday no problems. First time trying a diablo game, it was ok, might pick it up at somepoint. Only played an hour or so just to see how it was. But from what i played think id enjoy it. Might pick up an old one for cheap first to see thougj.
The 4 day early access will stagger off the amount, the server slam was a good test, I played each of the 3 days not even once was there a disconnect slight lag/fps drop, most likely a me problem, managed to even do world boss 3 times no problem.
I will credit blizzard though the last few releases have been better than previous, they are learning that alot of people want to play their games onnrlease day only took 8 years +
@Nightcrawler71 that’s a great point and when I saw they were offering that originally. My mind went right a selling bonus but it may in fact be a way for them to control day one. Probably both but it’s a win win and smart. Server issues is the only thing that could hurt this game cause otherwise it looks and plays amazing.
Enjoyed the Betas although Think I'm probably just going to hold off on this one. I mean the more I think about it once the seasons start it just seems like a login and pay for the highest battlepass cosmetics and to be done again until next season really.
A option to play offline would be even better.
I wont change my rules. Minimum a month after release. No preorders. Game with Day One Patch and possibly more.
@Falkirk4life same here in Wales - but I won’t get political!
@IAmAshCohen17 Exactly my thoughts, fingers crossed for them, but games like this normally have release day woes, here's hoping they are on top of it...not played a Diablo game since D2 and have been craving it, kinda...so hoping for a smooth launch. Granted, I never buy games on release anymore after being burned too many times.
@Green-Bandit yeah I can’t wait! I’ve managed to avoid playing any of the betas as well.
@Nightcrawler71 I played just a bit of the first one to see what characters played like and then quit and didn’t touch the server slam. Diablo is a top 3 franchise all time for me, so to say i am excited would be a understatement.
Grabs the pack of chips/crisps & favourite softdrink beverage & quietly waits for the connection timeout error messages!😋
I am curious about it but honestly have yet to hear of the campaign story mode much in all this other than its open world online only.🤔 Not to mention its longer term future given its XB/M$ overlords.
Imagine if they choose to nuke future expansions! Petty,but they've engaged in plenty of that already!
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