This past month, Blizzard revealed the much-demanded remaster ofDiablo 2was in development.Diablo 2 Resurrectedwill polish the visuals of the original game, add some much-needed functionality to modernize the game’s menus and online, and otherwise deliver the authenticDiablo 2experience fans want. Few likely predicted just how far developer Vicarious Visions would go to preserveDiablo 2’s authenticity, though. Even the original game’s save files are apparently being protected.
In a recent interview,Diablo 2 Resurrectedproducer Matthew Cederquist confirmed that the new game will allow players to import their save files from the original game. Obviously, this doesn’t include multiplayer characters which are verified online. But those hoping to carry over theirDiablo 2single-player character files(or hacked save files for fun) will be able to import them toDiablo 2 Resurrectedwith apparent ease.
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As for whyVicarious Visionsdecided to include the feature, Cederquist makes it sound in the IGN Middle East interview like it was a surprisingly simple endeavor. The team was already well into working onDiablo 2Resurrected and decided to see if it could work. In Cederquist’s words, the team just short of “shoved it in” and it worked. He’s likely underplaying the work involved or at least how well it initially imported into the in-development game. Nevertheless, if it works, it works.
This feature may not be for everyone.Diablo 2is over 20 years old, after all. The vast majority of players will immediately start a new game and never look back. But the decision to support this feature goes to show just how much Vicarious Visions values the dedicated fanbase ofDiablo 2. It’s theDiablo 2stalwarts who have kept their save files over the years. It’s the most dedicated fans who preserve saves to compare statistics over time. This decision is for them. It’s just anotherexample ofDiablo 2 Resurrected’s authenticity.
The ability to transfer save files also opens an interesting opportunity forDiablofans to start early.Diablo 2is currently available onBlizzard’s official store, after all. If players are tired of waiting forDiablo 2 Resurrectedto arrive, they can start playing now on the old version of the game and transfer to the new game down the line.
Blizzard’s continued dedication to both its past titles and future titles remains evident. As with Blizzard’s current rollout of classicWorld of Warcraftand its expansions, even asWorld of Warcraft’s newShadowlandsexpansiondoes well,Diablo 2 Resurrectionwill help lead into the release ofDiablo 4.
Diablo 2 Resurrectedis currently in development for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
