Technically, the new Diablo release is broken into two different versions. One is GOG’s updated, Windows-compatible version with scaling resolution support. This version is solely the single-player version of Diablo.
For those who want to play Diablo online via Battle.net, a classic version of the Diablo client is available. “Classic” is somewhat of a misnomer, however. This old client doesn’t have scaling resolution and it’s limited to 20 frames-per-second.
News regarding Warcraft: Orcs and Humans and Warcraft 2: Tides of Darkness is thinner. Like with Diablo, it’s GOG and not Blizzard that’s creating the updated ports. As such, the focus won’t be on remastering or updating the games beyond ensuring they work on modern PC hardware and Windows. No release plans have been announced, so the two Warcraft games may launch in 2019 or beyond. GOG will likely drop them one at a time as they finish them similarly to how Diablo was released today.
Today’s launch of Diablo marks a new direction for Blizzard, which has promised a renewed focus on re-releasing its classic games. For example, an updated version of the original Starcraft was released mid-2017, while plans for both World of Warcraft Classic and Warcraft 3: Reforged are planned for release in 2019. There are also rumors that a remastered and updated version of Diablo 2 is in development, and could come as soon as 2020.
Bringing back the original games in both the Warcraft and Diablo franchises without being remastered through GOG will likely be seen by many as a great new aspect of Blizzard’s renewed dedication to its classic games. At this point, there’s no telling what might be in the works next.
Diablo is available now on PC through GOG. Warcraft: Orcs and Humans and Warcraft 2: Tides of Darkness are planned for a PC launch, but have no currently announced release window.
