Diablo 3's annual "Fall of Tristram" event, slated to conclude on February 1st, has sparked player requests for an extension. However, community manager pezradar has confirmed this isn't feasible due to the event's hard-coded nature, stating that server-side adjustments are currently impossible.
This announcement follows another setback: the delay of Diablo IV Season 34. Pezradar apologized for the disruption to player weekend plans, explaining the delay stemmed from issues with the automatic season scheduler that prematurely ended Season 33 in early January. The team is developing new code to prevent future occurrences and ensure smoother season transitions, acknowledging the need for improved communication with players in the future.
Separately, Wolcen Studio announced Project Pantheon, a free-to-play combat RPG incorporating extraction shooter elements. A closed alpha test begins January 25th in Europe, expanding to North America on February 1st. Game director Andrei Cirkulete described the game as a blend of extraction shooter tension and RPG combat dynamics, hinting at influences from Diablo and Escape from Tarkov. The game casts players as Death's messengers, tasked with restoring order to a ravaged world.