This Minor Change Could Make or Break Your Diablo 4 Experience

Last week, Blizzard Entertainment discussed how it intends to improve Diablo IV based on the experience of the (first) open beta. More (not only on this topic) was revealed during a recent broadcast. As it turns out, some fans are not thrilled with a certain change announced by the developers.

Problematic font

Among the objections to the test version of Diablo 4 there were quite a few concerning gameplay or classes, but players also had comments about the font.

1. This is because Blizzard used a "sterile", sans-serif font, which the players calaim does ot fit in with the dark fantasy setting. Some Internet users associate it with browser pop-ups or budget free-to-play games.
2. So Blizzard went out of its way to meet player expectations and introduced a more "ornate" font. Of course, as is often the case, the change suggested by fans was coldly received by other fans of Diablo.

Comparison of the old (left) and new interface font (right). Source: u/its_tharid / Reddit.

In fairness, let's mention that already in earlier discussions on this topic there were opinions that the font from the beta tests is better in one respect: legibility.

Serif type is widely considered to be less legible (especially on a device screen and for people with dyslexia). That's why in 2007 Microsoft abandoned Times New Roman in favor of Calibri (which, with a long delay, was also introduced by the US State Department).

The conflict of legibility and "immersiveness"

Therefore, in addition to fans who appreciate the new version of the interface for its "thematic compatibility" with Diablo 4 there is also no shortage of people complaining about its readability.

1. Instead, some Internet users point out that the comparison posted on Reddit (above) is heavily skewed. The graphics with the new version of the UI are not only of much lower quality, but also show more text.
2. Still other players are not thrilled with either version of the interface, considering them to be unreadable walls of text (on top of that using not one, but several fonts at once). In their opinion, Blizzard should follow the example of fans who showed their own ideas for improvements, going beyond font changes. Not that the players didn't have their fair share of comments about these proposals as well (mostly about missing information).
3. Fans suggest also that Blizzard choose an intermediate, "semi-serif" option (which, knowing life, won't satisfy anyone). Or simply release both as separate options, just as was done with font size.

It is doubtful that either of these solutions will be included in Diablo 4 for the game's June 6 release. Perhaps Blizzard will consider changes after the debut. Until then, the community is likely to remain divided between supporters of readable and "immersive" fonts.

Diablo IV

June 6, 2023

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