Should We Normalize "Diablo-Like"? A Spicy Take on ARPG Terminology

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the great tradition of gaming debates: Are microtransactions ethical? What’s the best Zelda game? And now, should we normalize calling ARPGs “Diablo-like”? It all started when a Blizzard boss asked the internet to ponder this linguistic gem, and the community responded with a collective eyeroll so intense it could power Sanctuary’s underworld for a year.

But does this spicy suggestion hold any merit, or is it just a branding flex disguised as a conversation starter? Let’s unpack this with a healthy mix of skepticism and humor.

The "Diablo-Like" Proposal: A Blizzard of Opinions

Blizzard executive Rod Fergusson kicked off the drama by wondering aloud if the term "Diablo-like" could catch on for ARPGs. You know, much like “Souls-like” became shorthand for games with punishing combat and cryptic lore. But where “Souls-like” emerged organically from the gaming community, the push for “Diablo-like” feels… a little forced. After all, Diablo is already synonymous with the action RPG genre. It’s like asking if we could start calling spaceships "Millennium Falcon-likes"—the comparison is obvious, but it doesn't need a new label.

The internet, predictably, had a field day. Social media lit up with memes, sarcasm, and some genuinely thoughtful takes, all debating whether ARPGs need this new nomenclature or if Fergusson just wanted to sprinkle a bit of marketing wizardry on the Diablo name.

The Rise and Reign of ARPGs: Why "Diablo-Like" Feels Redundant

Action RPGs owe a lot to Diablo. It set the gold standard with its loot grind, gothic atmosphere, and click-happy combat. But over the decades, ARPGs have evolved into a sprawling genre with subgenres and hybrids—think Path of Exile’s labyrinthine skill trees, Torchlight’s quirky aesthetic, or Grim Dawn’s darker themes.

Calling all these games “Diablo-like” feels reductive, even if Diablo pioneered many of the mechanics we love. Imagine referring to every science-fiction epic as “Star Wars-like” just because it popularized space operas. It might sound flattering at first, but it erases the unique flavors other creators bring to the table.

What About Other Gaming Terms? A Lesson from "Souls-Like"

The term “Souls-like” is often cited as a success story for niche gaming lingo. It works because Dark Souls introduced a distinctive formula: slow, methodical combat; high difficulty; and interconnected worlds. You hear “Souls-like,” and you immediately know what kind of experience to expect.

But the term “Diablo-like” doesn’t carry the same clarity. Does it refer to the loot system? The dungeon crawling? The multiplayer elements? ARPGs share so many overlapping features that it’s hard to pin down a single unifying thread. And unlike Souls-likes, ARPGs don’t center around one specific gameplay experience—they’re more of a smorgasbord of mechanics, themes, and vibes.

Why Gamers Love to Argue About Labels

Gaming culture loves debates, especially when it comes to terminology. Labels help us categorize games and set expectations, but they also invite endless nitpicking. Should Metroidvania games include roguelike elements? Is an immersive sim just a fancy RPG? We all have opinions, and we’re all deeply invested in being right. (Because let’s face it, gaming debates are way more fun than arguing about politics.)

The “Diablo-like” kerfuffle taps into this same need for precision. Some players want clear terms to describe their favorite genres, while others bristle at anything that feels corporate or unnecessary. Fergusson’s suggestion touched a nerve because it felt like Blizzard trying to trademark a genre it already dominates.

A Modest Proposal: Let Gamers Decide

Here’s the thing about gaming terms: they only stick if the community embraces them. “Souls-like” works because it bubbled up naturally, driven by players and critics alike. If the term “Diablo-like” is meant to catch on, it’ll need to earn its place through organic use—not because a company wants it to trend.

Until then, maybe we can just enjoy our ARPGs without overthinking what to call them. Whether you’re slicing through demons in Diablo, solving skill tree puzzles in Path of Exile, or enjoying the neon glow of futuristic ARPGs, the experience is what matters—not the label.

Conclusion: Can We Loot This Debate for Insight?

In the end, the “Diablo-like” debate is less about terminology and more about the power of branding. While Blizzard’s Diablo series deserves all the love for shaping the ARPG genre, slapping its name on every similar game feels more like gatekeeping than celebrating.

As gamers, we don’t need to normalize anything unless it genuinely enhances how we talk about games. So, let’s keep our debates lively, our labels meaningful, and our loot shiny. After all, the real win is finding the next ARPG that hooks us for hundreds of hours—no matter what we call it.

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