In a world where seemingly every video game marketing exec tries to convince people that every product will be a revolution in the industry, Blizzard is being refreshingly candid.
Diablo III is on the horizon, and fans of its two predecessors are understandably excited about the potential of a new entry in the series. Diablo III will, of course, be a hack-and-slash adventure with epic environments and awesome graphics.
But what else will it contain? According to the Blizzard community manager who goes by the online handle Bashiok, “I too worry that we won’t be able to meet the expectations people have built up for themselves.”
That’s what he wrote in an online forum where fervent gamers were discussing what they expect in the new title. Some expressed skepticism about whether or not it would live up to the hype.
“Part of my job is managing people’s expectations, so… eh… stop it. Stop thinking about how awesome this game could be. Just imagine it’s a new M. Night Shyamalan movie. Sure Sixth Sense was amazing and Unbreakable had it’s moments, but this right here is the sequel to The Village … or The Happening … or Signs … or any of the movies besides the two I first mentioned. So just like, lower those expectations, but still definitely buy the game please, and everything will be just fine. K?” Bashiok continued.
While sobering, it is nice to see someone actually be frank and honest with the consumers they’re marketing to. Then again, maybe he’s just lowering our expectations so that when it comes out, it will be so amazing that everyone freaks out with excitement. Right?
