Originally Posted by
MrFiddleswitch
The problem isn't that Blizzard is developing mobile games - honestly, I'm surprised it's taken this long for them to have more mobile games after Hearthstone did so well. The problem isn't even Diablo: Immortal, which will likely end up a decent mobile game. I could easily see them tapping Warcraft RTS, Starcraft, World of Warcraft Pet Battles (pokemon Go with wow pet battle system and integration with your wow account pets - I would dump hours and likely many dollars into that game), etc. for mobile and be able to make quality, engaging content like Hearthstone has proven to be.
The backlash from Blizzcon is that they headlined a mobile game that was meant for the eastern market at the western markets "big con", and further added insult to injury by poorly setting expectations because they ran a massive marketing campaign for Diablo to the western market leading up to Blizzcon. We knew we weren't getting D4, but they could have (and should have) squashed the rumors of D1/2 remaster announcement or D3 expansion/character pack content. This was even further complicated by them having some seriously poor PR toward loyal fans when those fans asked some hard questions about this direction, instead of handling things professionally. This announcement should have been at PAX East, and the Headline should likely have been Warcraft 3 Reforged for this Blizzcon - especially since it too had a playable Demo.
Another simple solution would have been a "teaser" trailer for D4, (which is obviously in development) ala the recent Elder Scrolls 6 or Starfield trailers from Bethesda E3. Just having a simple background of flames with Diablo like music and a logo would have been enough to completely change the narrative, regardless of if it really gave any details about the game. You don't need to show Diablo - or any of the characters in case the game's narrative is still in the "flux" phase of development (which rumor has, it is and has shifted multiple times so far). Just a simple announcement trailer to wet the appetites with followup at another con or Blizzcon next year.
Unfortunately, it doesn't stop there either - based on what was said multiple times at Blizzcon following the DI announcement and then reiterated during the investor call today, they are shifting development away from PC for mobile, instead of simply expanding their teams for mobile. Hearing Blizzard quote, on multiple occasions during Blizzcon, and now to investors that they have, (and I'm paraphrasing here because I can't find the exact quote) "Many of their best developers now working on mobile titles across Blizzard's IPs", is a real problem for fans, as mobile games should be there to compliment Blizzard PC games, not take over for them.
There is nothing wrong with Blizzard tapping the mobile market - it's huge in the east, and growing in west - but Blizzard shifting development to mobile in lieu of PC will likely lead to slower development of PC assets (which are already too damned slow vs. industry average), and likely a decline in the quality of their PC assets, as they are moving "their best developers" to mobile.
This shift is what has long time fans upset and feeling a bit betrayed. Is it a bit entitled? Sure, but many fans that are upset, including myself, have been invested in Blizzard PC games for more than 20 years. To see the company that my money helped build shift their focus away from long time loyal fans in lieu of making a quick buck on the eastern markets is beyond disappointing, and I don't think it's wrong for myself, and other like me, that have supported Blizzard through thick and thin, to have a strong opinion - and further voice that opinion.
Sorry for the long write-up, just trying to break it down for you from the perspective of someone who is voicing their opinion in a polite way (these people that are flat out attacking Blizz employees really need to grow up!), but is a part of the negative reaction.