The Diablo show, which according to the post is “rendered in anime style” is currently “in pre-production for distribution worldwide through Netflix.” Dyk is the executive producer on the show, though other details like its release window remain to be seen. Rumors of a Diablo television series have been swirling around for years, with little bits of information occasionally peeking out from demon-infested corners. In September 2018, the writer of the latest Hellboy movie tweeted “I guess I can confirm I am indeed in final talks to write and showrun the new DIABLO animated series for Activision and Netflix. It’s very exciting, and I hope to the High Heavens it all works out.” The message was quickly deleted, and the trail of evidence had gone cold until now.
Van Dyk’s Linkedin page also confirmed the existence of an Overwatch animated television show that had been “developed and sold” with a “creative partner.” There’s even less information out about this series, though Blizzard has developed a handful of animated shorts for the hero shooter since its launch in 2016. With a robust world of tesla-cannon welding gorillas and cybernetic ninjas, the established world is a perfect setting for an animated series. There’s still so much lore still yet to be seen, like the relationship between Zenyatta or Genji or how Hammond fought his way out of Australia with his Wrecking Ball robot.
With an animated League of Legends television show also in the works at Riot Games, it seems like there’s going to be in influx of video game-inspired animation over the next few months. Fans love to explore the rich worlds and characters they’ve controlled over the years, so developing new media makes sense. With Diablo 4 releasing sometime in the near future alongside Overwatch 2, creating hype for these franchises is a must for Activision Blizzard. If handled correctly, these animated series could be massive successes, but it will take time to properly iron out the concepts and draw on the pages.
Are you excited about the idea of an Overwatch or Diablo television series? Tell us in the comments.
