Studio Led by Diablo Creators Aims to Revolutionize ARPGs with $4.5 Million Budget

Moon Beast Productions, a new independent game development studio founded by veterans of the iconic Diablo and Diablo II series, is embarking on a mission to redefine the action RPG (ARPG) genre. With a $4.5 million seed investment, the studio is channelling its resources and decades of experience to deliver a groundbreaking new game.

Founded by Phil Shenk, Peter Hu, and Erich Schaefer – key figures behind some of the most influential ARPGs, including Torchlight, Hellgate: London, and Marvel Heroes Online – Moon Beast aims to explore fresh ideas while staying rooted in the elements that made their earlier games so beloved.

“For the past 20 years, we’ve dreamed of ARPG gameplay in more open, dynamic worlds,” said Erich Schaefer, the studio’s chief creative director and a leading figure in the development of Diablo II. The team is looking to take the addictive gameplay loops and innovative mechanics that defined Diablo and expand them in bold new directions.

A Smarter Approach to Development

Despite its relatively modest budget, Moon Beast President Peter Hu is confident in the team’s ability to work efficiently. “We plan to work smarter, not just harder, to achieve our goals,” Hu said.

The studio is focusing heavily on user-generated content (UGC), aiming to provide players with tools that make modifying and expanding the game’s world intuitive and powerful. According to Hu, the in-game tools will allow players to not only mod the game but also create entirely new game modes using the studio’s robust ARPG framework.

“We’re building tools that make it easy for players to unleash their creativity and potentially create entirely new gameplay experiences,” Hu explained.

Unlocking New Potential for ARPGs

Phil Shenk, Moon Beast’s CEO, drew comparisons between the studio’s vision and the transformative impact mods like Defense of the Ancients had on the industry, leading to the birth of the MOBA genre. Shenk believes their UGC platform could inspire similarly groundbreaking innovations, allowing fans to create entirely new genres within the ARPG space.

Angel investor Overwolf, a key supporter of Moon Beast, praised the studio’s approach to UGC, calling it a potential game-changer for player-driven content in the industry.

Returning to the Roots of ARPGs

While staying tight-lipped about specific gameplay details, Schaefer emphasized the studio’s commitment to crafting an ARPG that is both familiar and fresh. “We’re taking the magic of what made early Diablo games so engaging and evolving it in new ways,” he said.

Currently, Moon Beast is focused on building its core technology and experimenting with ideas that push the boundaries of the genre. While details remain scarce, fans of the classic Diablo series and ARPGs are eagerly awaiting what this seasoned team of developers will deliver.

Moon Beast’s innovative vision and track record of success set high expectations for their upcoming project, marking an exciting new chapter in the evolution of the ARPG genre.