[Video] Techland Talks Monsters in Latest “Dying 2 Know” Episode, New Gameplay Trailer

Blizzard has dropped a Q2 update on the development of Diablo IV, showing off the upcoming title’s graphical chops. The update has Diablo IV‘s art director John Mueller joined by lead character artist Arnaud Kotelnikoff, and associate art director Nick Chilano to share the team’s goals in creating the look of the game.

Unlike Diablo III, which had a style that for many was closer to World of WarCraft in its colour scheme and character design, Diablo IV looks to return to a more realistic style. “When I think back to the beginning, I think at the highest level, our goal was to make the characters in Diablo IV look as artistic and as hand-crafted as possible using the latest tools and techniques,” explains Mueller. “Over time, our ambitions around what we thought we could achieve evolved and really solidified into what you see today.”

And similar to Diablo II (for its time, at least), the character customization is a big focus. Blizzard has crafted a customization system that allows players to create hundreds of unique looks with the various armour pieces, and even allows for detailed facial and body tweaks. The dye system is back, but expanded into a “range of colors that still feel grounded and realistic” to the game’s world. “Each part of the armor can be dyed, including the helmet, chest, gloves, legs, and boots,” said Kotelnikoff. “You can dye each piece with a different color palette if you choose, or apply the same palette to all of them at once.”

Of course, the focus of the update wasn’t just on the player characters. Diablo IV‘s enemies also get their chance to shine in the update. “With monsters, success requires that many different things come together, but it starts with the player feeling satisfied in killing it,” explains Chilano. “That means the monster needs to visually match its gameplay and have a gory/demonic twist to it.”

Indeed, the monster designs are likewise going back to the more realistic gothic design of old, with a few twists (such as the succubus having wings coming out of her head).

Diablo IV is currently in development for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. Click the link above to see more pre-alpha renders of the characters and monsters.