Former developers from the original *Diablo* and *Diablo 2* teams are currently working on a fresh, “low-budget action RPG” that they believe could reshape the genre. Given how iconic the first two *Diablo* titles were, a new ARPG led by those who helped shape the franchise has serious potential to deliver something special.

Phil Shenk, Peter Hu, and Erich Schaefer—veterans of Blizzard’s classic ARPGs—have launched an independent studio called Moon Beast Productions. With $4.5 million in funding, they're developing an all-new action RPG designed to “push beyond the genre's established design patterns.” Their goal? To reinvent the hack-and-slash experience by drawing inspiration from what made the early *Diablo* games so compelling.

Their vision is to build a more open and dynamic ARPG—one they’ve been dreaming of for over two decades. While details about the game remain scarce, the talent behind it speaks volumes. A team packed with industry veterans gives this project a strong foundation and a real shot at becoming one of the standout action RPGs in the market.

Still, breaking into today’s competitive ARPG space won’t be easy. Titles like *Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred* continue to draw massive audiences, and its fanbase remains deeply invested. Meanwhile, *Path of Exile 2* recently made waves as a Steam sensation, reaching over 538,000 concurrent players at peak—ranking it as the 15th most-played game on the platform in that category. Competing against such heavyweights will require bold innovation and flawless execution.

Even so, if anyone can pull it off, it's these seasoned developers. With their deep roots in the genre and a clear passion for redefining it, Moon Beast Productions might just be one to watch.