Diablo creator says current ARPGs focus too much on quick leveling, cheapening the experience

David Brevik criticizes the rapid leveling in ARPGs for cheapening gameplay, advocating for pacing like Diablo 2.

: David Brevik criticizes rapid progression and leveling in modern ARPGs, saying it cheapens the gameplay experience. He praises Diablo 2's pacing as ideal and criticizes Diablo 3 and 4 for prioritizing fast progression. Brevik opposes this trend, favoring games with slower pacing like Torchlight and The Witcher 3. He argues the journey, not the destination, is where the fun lies.

David Brevik, creator of Diablo, critiques modern ARPGs for focusing too much on quick leveling and rapid progression, which he believes cheapens the gameplay experience. He praises the pacing of Diablo 2 as exemplary, arguing that it maintains a balance between grinding and enjoyment.

Brevik points out that games like Diablo 3 and Diablo 4 encourage players to rush through to reach Paragon levels, contributing to a shallow gaming experience. He expresses dislike for this design trend and highlights that it makes room for microtransactions through the push for swift progression.

Instead, he advocates for a gaming philosophy that values the journey over reaching the end, similar to games like Torchlight and The Witcher 3. Brevik, who leads indie publisher Skystone Games, avoids rapid leveling tactics in his endeavors, promoting a more satisfying and paced gaming experience.

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