Is Bill Roper a Sore Loser?

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Bill Roper is best known for being one of the chief architects behind the Diablo series when he was the vice president of Blizzard North, a former satellite studio of Blizzard. In an interview with VideoGamer.com, Roper opens up about his true feelings in regards to the still-in-development Diablo III. Roper explained that, although he didn't think it looked horrible, "it just didn't really ring with Diablo." Roper claims that what he enjoyed about the separation between Blizzard and Blizzard North was the different art styles. The Diablo games, developed by Blizzard North, were darker and grittier, while the "Craft" games (Starcraft and Warcraft) were bolder and brighter. But with Blizzard North no more, the new Diablo game has taken on the brighter and less gritty visuals Blizzard is accustomed to, at least according to Roper.

But one must wonder if Roper is just a little bit biased, if not downright jealous. After all, he went on to form Flagship Studios and create Hellgate: London, which was expected to be a spiritual successor to Diablo (before Diablo III was announced). Although the game wasn't horrible, high expectations coupled with horrible marketing and early issues led to its eventual downfall. Dialbo III, on the other hand? It really doesn't matter what the critics say, the game is going to sell millions, without a doubt.

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damian on March 18, 2009 08:22PM While this may be true, I don't think he is/or should be called a sore loser. Half of the community is already saying they don't like the game, and the other half just has high expectations. I feel there might be a "doubt" though. This is the same hype Hellgate received with all positive reports. While on the other hand Diablo has the same hype yet also has negative reports. Who knows. reply to this

Belushi81x on March 18, 2009 08:58PM @ above... Half the community thinks the same??? a bit of an exaggeration, me thinks... reply to this

damian on March 18, 2009 09:21PM Left and right, from friends to forums, people agree that Diablo really has gone the way of the "craft" series of games. The "half" comes in here, some just don't like the design while others just care about the story (which seems will be the deciding factor if people like it or not) I'm not saying its going to fail, I just think its going another direction. But, like they say, Change isn't always a bad thing. reply to this

ClayMeow on March 18, 2009 09:44PM The diablo games sold millions of copies. The petition received 50k names (and that's if they're all real). You say half...I say barely worth mentioning. As in most instances, the minority always complains the loudest. Good thing Blizzard didn't fall for it. reply to this

damian on March 18, 2009 10:46PM Like I said "who knows". I'm more of a "wait and see what happens" person but i like how you think too. reply to this

ClayMeow on March 19, 2009 08:36AM I hear ya. I was just posing the question and providing a little background info. I'm not saying he is or isn't jealous, just putting that out there :D reply to this

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