Diablo Junior

Maps for the in-game world are randomly generated in each Diablo game, which increases the replayability. Maps became larger and larger while the series evolved. Due to its procedurally generated maps and hack and slash nature, Diablo shares some similar mechanics as early roguelike games, though with real-time gameplay, graphics, and sound. It was in fact originally conceived and pitched to Blizzard as what amounted to a graphical roguelike.

The adventurer being based in a town above the dungeon and being able to use "scrolls of town portal" is a specific influence from Moria. The gameplay loop for Diablo games relies on a constant search for better weapons and armor, known as loot. Items are randomly generated and usually have many attributes assigned to them. As a video game series which developed around point and click gameplay mechanics, the mouse is traditionally used for moving and using abilities in PC versions of Diablo video games.

The universe of Diablo is divided into three realms: the High Heavens, the Burning Hells, and the human world of Sanctuary. Ever since their creation, the angels of the High Heavens and the demons of the Burning Hells have been at war with one another. Sanctuary was created by rebel angels and demons tired of the war, with their first children being dubbed Nephalem. The descendants of the Nephalem are humanity, and become a focal point for both angels and demons who wish to influence them for their own goals due to sharing angelic and demonic heritage.

The series' title character and main antagonist is Diablo, the Lord of Terror. According to the backstory and lore provided by Blizzard Entertainment, Diablo functions as one of the seven Great Evils presiding over the Burning Hells. Diablo eventually becomes the Prime Evil after absorbing the six other Great Evils, including his two brothers: Baal, the Lord of Destruction, and Mephisto, the Lord of Hatred. Two key characters who oppose Diablo in the series are Deckard Cain, an elderly scholar and the last descendant of the original Horadrim who serves as the core narrator of lore in the first three Diablo games, and Tyrael, a member of the High Heavens' ruling Angiris Council who is sympathetic to humanity.

The origin of the first Diablo came from David Brevik while at Condor Games around 1994. Brevik was heavily inspired by the roguelike genre with turn-based combat, but with simplified role-playing game elements and a more expansive loot system. The name Diablo is taken from Mount Diablo, which Brevik lived near when he conceived the game idea. Condor was working alongside Blizzard Entertainment at the time on a separate title.

net platform, and remove permadeath. Over the course of development, Blizzard acquired Condor Games, with Condor, located in San Mateo, California, becoming Blizzard North while Blizzard's main offices in Irvine, California became Blizzard South. Diablo was released in January 1997.

The games in the Diablo series on all release platforms have received generally favorable reviews from critics. Both Diablo and Diablo II are considered to be among the best video games of all time, and each entry in the series has been successful financially. Diablo II sold 4 million copies in the year it was released. 3 million copies in the first week.

2 million copies were given to subscribers to Blizzard's Annual Pass service. The Diablo III release was the fastest-selling PC game of all time.