The first Diablo launched on 31 December 1996. After 21 years, we will see a new 2D RPG with a similar recipe, from the same author.
Diablo was the precursor to modern RPGs, also, it founded the game mechanics for numerous game series that followed later. Entirely different from the games that launched previously, the title gave way to the most profitable franchise in the game industry. Also, it gave Blizzard the financial power to become the giant that it is today.
It Lurks Below will be the game title witch David Brevik has been working on for some time. He wants to finish the project by himself at the end of this year. In Diablo, Brevik occupied the position of game designer, producer and programmer. Two decades ago, he was the co-founder of Blizzard North, also the CEO of the company, so he has some management experience. When he still worked at Blizzard, Brevik also played a role in Diablo II(Project and Design Lead) and Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos(Additional Game Review).
After a large number of experiences with more or less known companies under his belt, David Brevik founded his own independent production studio, named Greybeard Games. Here, he is an one man show, being responsible for Artwork, Design and Coding. From all these positions, he will try to impress the public with the launch of It Lurks Below in a couple of months.
The future game will be in 2D adventure style, that will try to creatively combine class evolution RPG elements with live action and lots of treasure(guns, armor, etc.). What is hard to understand is that, It Lurks Below will include a building system, similar to Minecraft and Terraria, without having a lot in common with these games. David Brevik promised that he will organize regular "closed beta" events to see the feedback from the public.