Diablo boss causes mass eyerolls after asking out loud if we could 'normalize Diablo-like' for ARPGs which follow the Diablo formula

Diablo is an ARPG. This term is a bit worn out, like an old bag. It's clear that we mean different things by action RPGs such as Diablo and action RPGs such as The Veilguard. But it's still a genre description we use. It's similar to CRPGs. Yes, CRPGs mean something specific (an RPG with an isometric view and a large story that's usually either turn-based or utilizes real-time pause), but the words within the acronym are borderline ineffective. The phrase 'a roleplaying game that you play on your PC' is the broadest definition you can use without NASA calling you to complain about messed up satellite images.

You could argue that Diablo, as the originator of the genre, has the right to a soulslike name convention. If you're Blizzard's general manager for the series, then asking out loud if we can all start naming future ARPGs in your honor is a bit desperate. Cringe. As the kids would say.

Rod Fergusson who manages Diablo for Blizzard made this social faux-pas on X a few weeks ago. It's been criticized as much as asking people if their phones are broken. "It feels like the genre 'ARPG,' is starting to mean many different things. I wonder if "Diablo-like", like 'Souls' and 'Rogue', could be normalized for ARPGs which follow the Diablo formula ..."

Fergusson was dunked several times in a session that made me shiver. Highlights: "How can you normalize Diablo-like if no one enjoys Diablo 4?" Twitch streamer Jungroan replies. Empyrian Gaming adds, "I don't believe so." Another jokes, "PoE like." It's rough, that's a hat-trick.

I think that some of these people have been a bit harsh on Diablo 4 given that our resident ARPGer Tyler Colp had positive things to say about Blizzard's changes since launch. But only a little. It's a recipe for disaster to walk into the daylight and hum about whether or not your game should be included in general terminology. It's especially bad when you are the head honcho of Blizzard. The company was acquired as part a $68 billion transaction and is therefore big enough to be able to punch at.

It's also a way to create something that is completely out of our control. I dislike the inaccuracy. I use these terms in my job and have developed a resentment towards them. Assigning a loose set of mechanics to a particular country is ridiculous. We all know what JRPGs are. Soulslike games have become a catch-all term for any third-person RPG that has a respawn mechanic and a dodge-roll. Simulators and life are very different. If you think about this too much, you will lose your mind.

But I think Fergusson doesn't really care about linguistic accuracy, which is why piranhas are so enraged. The guy is a Blizzard employee, overseeing Diablo. Of course he would love it if everyone referred to his game. And if there's anything gamers won't do, it's give you a compliment--especially not because you asked for one.