Blizzard has officially launched *Diablo 4* Season 8, marking the beginning of a wave of free updates that will ultimately transition into the game’s second expansion, expected in 2026. While this signals continued support for the popular action RPG, not everything is smooth sailing within the game’s core community.
The dedicated player base—comprised largely of long-time Diablo fans—has been vocal about their desire for deeper gameplay features, class reworks, and more innovative content. Although *Diablo 4* also appeals to a wider audience of casual players who enjoy its monster-slaying action, it's the hardcore players who demand more complexity, better systems, and evolving endgame experiences. Unfortunately, many feel that Blizzard isn't delivering quickly enough.
This sentiment became especially clear after Blizzard released its first-ever *Diablo 4* roadmap for 2025. Instead of sparking excitement, the roadmap generated concern and disappointment. Many questioned whether the planned updates, including Season 8, would offer enough fresh content to keep them engaged throughout the year.
In response, a *Diablo 4* community manager stepped into the discussion on the official subreddit, explaining that fewer details were shared about later parts of the roadmap because the team is still finalizing plans. “This isn't all that's coming in 2025 :)” they reassured. Even Blizzard’s former president, Mike Ybarra, joined the conversation, acknowledging the feedback and weighing in directly with the fanbase.
Against this backdrop of community scrutiny, Season 8 launches with some notable—and controversial—changes. The most talked-about adjustment is the redesign of the battle pass system, which now mirrors the structure seen in *Call of Duty*. Players can now unlock items in a non-linear way, offering greater flexibility. However, the update also reduces the amount of in-game currency earned per season, limiting how much players can invest in future battle passes.
In an exclusive interview with IGN, *Diablo 4* lead live game designer Colin Finer and lead seasons designer Deric Nunez address the community’s concerns head-on. They discuss the roadmap reaction, confirm upcoming improvements to the skill tree—a long-requested feature—and provide clarity on the changes to the battle pass system. Their insights reveal a development team listening closely to player feedback while working hard to balance innovation with sustainability in *Diablo 4’s* evolving live service model.
