Diablo 4 Post Release Issues and Twitch Viewership Drop
Blizzard experienced a tumultuous post-release period with Diablo 4 following a passionate community voicing their displeasure. Despite initial arguments suggesting this was merely a loud minority, data shows otherwise, with a drastic 99% drop-off in Twitch viewership.
Game Launch and Initial Reception
Diablo 4 launched to great acclaim, breaking Blizzard's sales records and receiving stellar reviews. The game scored an impressive 88 overall on Metacritic, contributing to its promising start. However, despite the game's live service model and perceived lack of content, its appeal has waned over time. Players have expressed dissatisfaction, feeling 'scammed' by the perceived lack of payoff for their investment, with poorly received balance changes coinciding with the launch of Diablo 4’s first seasonal update.
Attempts to Rectify Issues
The development team has tried to repair the damage and restore the game's reputation, however, the consequences of these issues are being felt in the game’s Twitch viewership, which currently hovers just below 1,000.
Statistics From Twitch Viewership
According to SullyGnome, Diablo 4’s peak viewership at the Season of the Malignant launch on July 20 was 278,672. By September 9, peak viewership dropped to 2,783, a 99% decrease. Similarly, the average daily viewer statistics also showed a 99% decrease, dropping from 114,212 to 1,492. While some drop in viewership of seasonal games is typical, these numbers significantly deviate from usual patterns for AAA titles.
In comparison, Baldur’s Gate 3, which launched shortly after Diablo 4, currently boasts close to 22,000 viewers. The numbers demonstrate a significant decrease in interest around Diablo 4 in a year that has seen an influx of major releases. There is widespread sentiment among the player base that the game is 'dead', with many players stating they do not plan to return for Diablo 4’s second season given the current state of the game.
Future Outlook
Only time will tell whether Diablo 4 can overcome its retention issue with the release of more content. The second seasonal update, Season of Blood, launches on October 17, and the audience response will be crucial to the game's ongoing success.