Diablo 3 Time Crunch: Blizzard's Event Deadline Woes

Diablo III's annual "Fall of Tristram" event, slated to conclude on February 1st, has sparked player requests for an extension. However, community manager pezradar has confirmed this isn't feasible due to the event's hard-coded nature, precluding server-side adjustments.

This announcement follows another setback: the delay of Diablo IV Season 34, disrupting player weekend plans. Pezradar apologized, explaining the short notice (24 hours) was due to unforeseen issues with the automatic season scheduler that prematurely ended Season 33 in early January. The delay allows for the development and testing of new code to ensure smooth seasonal transitions and account data preservation. Improved communication with players regarding future scheduling is also promised.

Separately, Wolcen Studio revealed Project Pantheon, a free-to-play combat RPG incorporating extraction shooter elements. A closed alpha test begins January 25th in Europe, expanding to North America on February 1st. Game director Andrei Cirkulete describes the blend of "tension and risk-reward of an extraction shooter with the battle dynamics of combat role-playing games," hinting at influences from titles like Diablo and Escape from Tarkov. Player feedback is highly anticipated as players assume the role of a Death messenger in a ravaged world.