GamesCom 2011: Blizzard Very, Very Serious About Console Diablo

During Blizzard Entertainment's GamesCom press conference, the developer reiterated their desire to enter console development. They're staffing up to create a Diablo game for consoles.

Diablo III lead designer Josh Mosqueira (via Kotaku) said that they're "very, very serious" about expanding the franchise to consoles.

"Today, we're trying to build the best console team at Blizzard," Mosqueira said. "We're looking for programmers, designers and artists who think their dream job would be to bring Diablo to the console."

He didn't mention what consoles they're considering. I guess that means all Xbox 360, PS3, and soon-to-be Wii U owners can keep hope alive. Makes it harder to engage in "console war" style trash-talk, though.

Added Mosquiera: "All I can say is it's going to be awesome. Stay tuned."

Blizzard's enthusiasm for consoles shouldn't come as a big shock to regular readers of our site. Blizzard CEO Mike Morhaime stated in February that the developer was investigating the possibility of a console Diablo. About a week later, Blizzard posted a Wanted Ad for a senior producer with console development experience.

The question, though, is "When are they going to release it?" Traditionally Blizzard only releases one game a year. Diablo III is still undated for the PC and Mac; at the earliest, it'll be out toward the end of 2011. Blizzard's not given any signs that they've put a lot of work into making a console Diablo yet, either. It's probably best not to ask "When?" as the answer could be a bit depressing.