Blizzard announces Diablo 5 and new StarCraft open-world project

Updated at: September 16, 2026 at 05:00 AM

At BlizzCon 2026, Blizzard Entertainment shocked fans with two major reveals.

nounBlizzard Entertainment

verbshock

The studio confirmed that Diablo 5 is officially in development, targeting a Spring 2029 release.

noundevelopment

Unlike previous entries, this game presents a bleak reality where the Lord of Terror has already triumphed over Sanctuary.

adjectivebleak

nounSanctuary

Players can look forward to playing as the Monk, Demon Hunter, or the new Plague Doctor class.

adverbforward

Moving away from its classic real-time strategy roots, Blizzard is developing a new, ambitious open-world shooter set in the StarCraft universe, expected to arrive in 2030.

adjectiveambitious

These announcements are part of a broader strategy by parent company Xbox to accelerate development cycles for its biggest intellectual properties.

nounXbox

verbaccelerate

noundevelopment

While fans are eager for these sequels, many remain skeptical about these ambitious release dates, as game development often faces unexpected delays.

adjectiveskeptical

adjectiveambitious

noundevelopment

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End of article

You read 7 focus sentences.

Challenge Mode

Comprehension Questions

What makes the premise of Diablo 5 unique?

It is set in a world where Diablo has already achieved victory over Sanctuary.

Players must team up with Diablo to defeat a common enemy.

The story takes place entirely in the past, long before the first Diablo game.

Reveal Answer

✓

Correct Choice

It is set in a world where Diablo has already achieved victory over Sanctuary.

Which new character class was specifically mentioned for Diablo 5?

The Necromancer

The Paladin

The Plague Doctor

Reveal Answer

✓

Correct Choice

The Plague Doctor

How is the upcoming StarCraft project changing the franchise?

It is becoming a turn-based role-playing game.

It is being turned into a mobile-exclusive card game.

It is shifting from a real-time strategy game to an open-world shooter.

Reveal Answer

✓

Correct Choice

It is shifting from a real-time strategy game to an open-world shooter.

What is the primary reason behind Blizzard's new strategy?

Blizzard is trying to distance itself from its parent company, Xbox.

Parent company Xbox directed them to accelerate development and ship big on beloved franchises.

The company wants to focus exclusively on developing mobile games.

Reveal Answer

✓

Correct Choice

Parent company Xbox directed them to accelerate development and ship big on beloved franchises.

What is the expected release window for the new StarCraft project?

2030

September 2026

Spring 2029

Reveal Answer

✓

Correct Choice

2030

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