Rumors about the release of an updated version of Diablo II back in 2015, when a hint was found in the text of one of the vacancies of Blizzard Entertainment. Two years later, producer Peter Stilwell that Classic Games would really like to release a remaster of the iconic action role-playing game, but first problems with the original game need to be resolved - for example, with cheaters and bots in the leaderboards. While nothing is known about a possible remaster, but now you can take a look at the screenshots improved using the popular ESRGAN neural network tool.
Screenshots shared by user under the nickname Indoflaven. To increase the resolution (the original is 1024 Γ 768 pixels), he used the Manga109 model. With the help of such simple manipulations, the fan showed how much more clear and detailed the game of 2000 can be made. Alas, he has no plans to create a full-fledged remaster based on ESRGAN.
Users noted that after processing the screenshots began to look much better and expressed a desire to see the full set of changed textures. However, this is hardly possible. As Xirious noted, making mods for Diablo II isn't easy; in addition, improved images will be useless without a patch that increases the resolution in the game.
In 2017 Diablo creator David Brevik that many of the original materials used in the development of the second part are lost, which will complicate the creation of a remaster. One way or another, fans have been working on improving the game for a long time. One of the most popular modifications, Median XL, significantly changes classes, monsters, items and many other elements. At the beginning of the year, the authors it to the new Sigma Engine, and now it also allows you to work on the interface, inventory, expand locations, add events and notifications. The creators of another amateur project, , rewrite the game engine. The new code would fix bugs, add compatibility with modern operating systems, and would be a great base for modifications. The source code of the first Diablo from the user GalaxyHaxz, obtained by reverse engineering, on GitHub in the middle of last year.
Recently, a lot of amateur remasters have appeared, created with the help of programs and tools based on neural network technologies. Updated materials are available for download. , , , , , , ΠΈ . According to many gamers, such projects look even better than some official re-releases, as they better convey the spirit of the original games.
Activision Blizzard's February financial report that Blizzard Entertainment will not release any major games in 2019. In November, she announced Diablo: Immortal for mobile platforms than most fans and provoked a collapse in stocks. After that, the company tried to reassure gamers, plans for the development of new games in the Diablo universe, which may be presented this year (they should definitely be expected at Blizzcon, which will be held November 1-2). Apparently, a full-fledged fourth part is in production, but, according to , work on it is not easy and therefore you should not wait for the release before 2020. It is possible that the former creative director of Cyberpunk 2077 Sebastian StΔpieΕ is working on it, to Blizzard Entertainment in January.
Source: 3dnews.ru