Joe Shely
Reporting and statements that mention Joe Shely.
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Diablo 5 Game Director Promises a Return to Methodical Character Builds, But Players Don't Believe Him
Diablo 5 game director Joe Shely has indicated a return to more methodical character builds, but players remain skeptical of these promises. The article suggests a disconnect between developer intentions and player expectations regarding gameplay depth.
Diablo 5 puts buildcrafting ahead of execution, following "the core tenet of ARPGs"
Diablo 5 Game Director Joe Shely stated that the upcoming RPG will prioritize buildcrafting and strategic planning over moment-to-moment execution, aligning with the ethos of older Diablo titles. This approach aims to ensure any challenge can be overcome with the right build, a sentiment that has been positively received by figures like former Grinding Gear Games founder Chris Wilson.
Diablo 5 Will Offer a Balance of Planning and Moment-to-Moment Execution, Says Director
Diablo 5 senior game director Joe Shely stated that the game will balance moment-to-moment execution with planning and investment in character builds. This approach aims to satisfy fans of the Action RPG genre who prefer strategic character development, differentiating it from Diablo 3 and 4. The game is slated for a 2029 release.
Diablo 5 director promises Diablo 2-style combat where 'the right build' matters more than Diablo 4's…
The director of Diablo 5 has indicated a shift towards Diablo 2-style combat, emphasizing build planning over moment-to-moment execution, contrasting with Diablo 4's dexterity-focused approach. This move aims to bring back heavier RPG elements and player investment in character builds, which some players have missed since Diablo 3 and 4. The developers are exploring ways to incorporate older design philosophies while still innovating for the new title.
Diablo 5 director responds to concerns the action RPG is more action than RPG: "Any challenge can be overcome with…
Diablo 5 senior game director Joe Shely addressed concerns that the upcoming action RPG might lean too heavily into action mechanics over RPG elements. He stated that while moment-to-moment execution will be present, the game will ultimately focus on planning and investment through builds, ensuring any challenge can be overcome with the right setup. This comes after Grinding Gear Games co-founder Chris Wilson expressed hope for a return to build-centric combat.
Path of Exile co-creator is "tentatively hopeful" Diablo 5 will stick the landing
Path of Exile co-creator Chris Wilson expresses tentative hope for Diablo 5, citing its announcement's return to the dark aesthetic and gameplay mechanics of Diablo 1 and 2, such as item sizing and inventory management. He believes ditching enemy scaling and embracing procedural generation are positive signs, but remains concerned about online-only play and combat system design.
Diablo 5's Caravan transforms how you explore the ARPG's most dangerous world yet
Blizzard Entertainment has revealed details about Diablo 5, which is slated for a Spring 2029 release. The game will feature a new premise where Diablo has already conquered the world, with players operating from a roving caravan. Diablo 5 will utilize procedural generation for its landscape, aiming to evolve the franchise while building on Diablo 4's foundations.
Diablo V touches on caravan mechanics, its multitude of classes, and character level scaling
Diablo V will feature evolving caravan mechanics, a wide selection of new and returning character classes, and dynamic level scaling for its multiplayer. Director Joe Shely stated the game aims to balance player power fantasy with challenge.
Blizzard to take "a somewhat different approach" to level-scaling in Diablo 5, suggesting more influence from Diablo 2 than Diablo 4
Blizzard is planning a different approach to level scaling in Diablo 5, drawing inspiration from Diablo 2 rather than Diablo 4. Game director Joe Shely indicated that the current system in Diablo 4 can hinder the feeling of player power, a core aspect of the Diablo series. While specific details are scarce, this suggests a move towards a more demanding experience.
Diablo 5 Wants You To Feel Your Power, Not Just See A Bigger Number
Blizzard Entertainment is aiming to enhance the power fantasy in Diablo 5 by ensuring players feel their character's strength more directly, a departure from Diablo 4's aggressive level-scaling. Game director Joe Shely explained that the team wants players to feel a significant impact when they level up, addressing criticisms of Diablo 4 where scaling often diminished the sense of progression. Updates on Diablo 5 are expected next year, with a focus on improved combat and the return of set items.
Diablo 5 will 'take a somewhat different approach' to Diablo 4's monster level scaling so your character feels noticeably stronger as you progress
Diablo 5 will adopt a different approach to monster level scaling compared to Diablo 4, aiming to make players feel more powerful as they progress. Director Joe Shely acknowledged that the current system can hinder the core power fantasy of action RPGs. Blizzard is considering changes to better capture the classic Diablo experience, with regular development updates planned for next year.
Blizzard confirms Diablo 5 won't gloss over Diablo's takeover of Sanctuary — 'It's not going to take place entirely off-screen'
Blizzard Entertainment has confirmed that Diablo 5 will explore how Diablo conquered Sanctuary, rather than glossing over the event. Senior game director Joe Shely stated that players will learn about these events in-game, and narrative director Jennifer Hepler teased that the player's bond with Diablo will be a significant part of the story.
Diablo 5 tells "three stories" across the past, present, and future, and biomes will change shape depending on…
Diablo 5 will feature three interconnected stories spanning the past, present, and future, with environments dynamically changing based on the influence of Dread Commanders. Game director Joe Shely and narrative director Jennifer Hepler detailed how the world of Sanctuary will be reshaped by Hell's forces, aiming for the "best campaign ever" in Blizzard's darkest ARPG to date, slated for a 2029 release.
Diablo 5 senior director says some complex systems were 'deferred' to the endgame, so it could 'deliver the depth and mastery elements' without 'overwhelming our players who are enjoying spending a lot of time in the campaign and exploring the world'
Diablo 5 senior game director Joe Shely stated that the team is aiming to cater to all Diablo fans by strategically deferring complex systems to the endgame. This approach ensures that players who enjoy the campaign and exploration are not overwhelmed, while still providing depth and mastery for endgame enthusiasts. Narrative director Jennifer Hepler added that passionate advocates for each playstyle are present on the development team.
Diablo 5 is Blizzard's darkest ARPG yet, and that's the best way to honor the game that changed my life 30…
Blizzard announced Diablo 5 at BlizzCon 2026, slated for a 2029 release. The game aims to be the darkest entry in the series, returning to the horror roots of the original Diablo to honor its 30th anniversary. Senior game director Joe Shely stated that the game's premise involves Sanctuary being destroyed and Diablo winning, with few survivors enslaved or turned into demonic followers.
Diablo 5 senior game director says the game will tell 'three stories,' including the past, the present desolation of Diablo's takeover, and the future 'terror forming' of the Sanctuary
Diablo 5 will feature a narrative spanning the past, present, and future, with explorable biomes that dynamically change based on the influence of Diablo's Dread Commanders. Senior game director Joe Shely and narrative director Jennifer Hepler detailed how these environments will offer a unique experience each time players revisit them, reflecting the ongoing 'terror forming' of Sanctuary.
Diablo 5 senior game director says 'the continued passion' is the reason Diablo 2: Resurrected exists and has allowed Blizzard to look at it for modern inspiration — 'Because it exists today alongside Diablo 4, we can look at it through today's lens'
Diablo 5's senior game director, Joe Shely, stated that the success and continued passion for Diablo 2: Resurrected has allowed Blizzard to draw modern inspiration from it for the upcoming sequel. The team can now look at Diablo 2's elements through a contemporary lens, utilizing its itemization and recent features as a guide for Diablo 5's development.
Diablo V will have multiplayer, but it sounds like the devs haven’t tied down how it works yet
Diablo V will feature multiplayer, allowing players to experience all content with friends, similar to Diablo IV. However, specific details about how multiplayer will function are still being finalized by the development team and are expected to be revealed closer to the game's 2029 release. The game is set in an apocalyptic Sanctuary with procedurally generated maps.
Diablo 5 Will Have The Most Classes Of Any Game In The Series
Diablo 5 will launch with more classes than any previous game in the franchise, according to game director Joe Shely. Blizzard aims for nine or ten classes at launch, including familiar ones like the Demon Hunter and new additions like the Plague Knight. This announcement was made during a BlizzCon 2026 panel, which also revealed a Spring 2029 release window for Diablo 5.
Diablo 5: Everything you need to know about the next era of Diablo
Blizzard Entertainment has officially announced Diablo 5, slated for a Spring 2029 release, aiming to usher in a new era for the franchise. The game will feature a post-apocalyptic Sanctuary where Diablo has already won, with procedural landscapes and a new class called the Plague Knight. Development is in its early stages, with Blizzard planning to involve the community throughout the process.
