The recent release of Diablo 4’s Vessel of Hatred expansion has mostly been a hit with the gaming community, yet it hasn’t escaped a touch of controversy, especially surrounding the Dark Citadel dungeon. This new addition is crafted as a challenging, raid-style endgame experience meant for groups, marking the first time in Diablo’s history that multiplayer is a prerequisite. Historically, while the games have offered co-op options, solo play has always been a viable approach—up until now.
Naturally, this shake-up didn’t sit well with some of the dedicated solo Diablo players. They felt thrust into a multiplayer mode that wasn’t their cup of tea. Nonetheless, Brent Gibson, the game director for Vessel of Hatred, stands firmly by the Dark Citadel and the notion of introducing mandatory group content into Diablo’s landscape.
“I’m absolutely committed to the Dark Citadel,” Gibson shared during a video interview with Polygon, alongside Diablo’s general manager, Rod Fergusson. However, he emphasized that players shouldn’t feel pressured to engage with it against their inclination.
“We’ve crafted the game so that players seeking efficiency aren’t compelled to tackle all its multiplayer content. I love that our expansive, vibrant game offers numerous activities, allowing players different routes within the same loop,” Gibson explained.
Fergusson supported this, highlighting the diversity now present in Diablo 4’s endgame, enabling the developers to explore “new spaces,” as Gibson put it. “What’s fantastic about our evolving endgame is the range of experiences available now,” Fergusson mentioned. “Early on, players might have felt they had to finish specific tasks like the Nightmare Dungeon or Helltide. And now, in season 6, you find yourself standing in town, pondering your next move because there are so many choices. Go to Kurast Undercity for runes? Head to the Citadel, the Pit, do a Nightmare Dungeon, tackle an Infernal Horde, or confront the Blood Maiden?” Fergusson also highlighted the addition of a Party Finder feature designed to simplify finding groups.
Gibson reiterated the significance of catering to the growing community of gamers who prefer the company of others in their gaming experiences. “While there are many solo players, there’s an expanding community that can’t imagine gaming without their friends or other online players,” he pointed out.
Despite some criticism from players about the multiplayer mandate, Gibson remains unfazed. “The feedback on the Dark Citadel has been overwhelmingly positive,” he remarked. “It’s not easy for everyone to dive into, but for players who have embraced it, it’s immensely enjoyable. We’ll continue to monitor feedback and see how it evolves. […] But yes, I’m standing by this decision.”
