Diablo 2: Resurrected Without Classic Multiplayer Connection Option
Blizzard has not kept its word regarding the multiplayer option over TCP/IP in Diablo II: Resurrected. Furthermore, it is uncertain whether players will receive ladders (i.e. ranked seasons) at launch.
Back in February, Blizzard's executive producer Rod Fergusson assured in an interview with Eurogamer that the refreshed Diablo II would include play using TCP/IP. Meanwhile, in recent post dedicated to Diablo II: Resurrected the devs announced the cancelation of the option, not only for the upcoming beta tests but also the full version of the game. The developers justify this with the "potential danger" in the case of using this type of connection, despite earlier assurances from Fergusson about the "new, safer platform".
"TCP/IP support will not be available in the upcoming Beta or the final game. After careful deliberation, we will no longer be supporting this option as we identified potential security risks and are committed to safeguarding the player experience."
TCP/IP, in a nutshell, enabled the players to engane in multiplayer gameplay by connecting directly to another player's device, thus avoiding the official servers. First, one person must select the appropriate option to establish a server as a host. After that, it is enough to enter the IP of the device to join the game. This system was the basis for once-popular Hamachi and newer ZeroTier software (both are also used by Diablo fans).
It doesn't stop there. Adam Fletcher, Blizzard's community manager, wrote on Reddit that the new version of Diablo 2 probably won't feature ladders, or seasonal competitions. What's more, the runic words previously associated only with ranked play will also be available in single-player mode.
For many people the lack of ladders and TCP/IP support will not matter much. However, it hurts that in the case of the latter option Blizzard not only withdrew from earlier promises but also did so discreetly (the information is hidden in the FAQ of beta tests). Besides, in practice, it makes local multiplayer play impossible.
The lack of seasonal games is mainly complained about by those who have already reserved their time to play in the mode on the day of the release. However, others point out that we still don't know much about the ladders, which are supposed to have some changes. It's not bad if it's only for a few days, but Fletcher said that the exact date could be found out "after the launch" of Diablo II: Resurrected. This suggests that we'll have to wait a bit longer for the first season to begin. For now, we can only wait for more information.
