In-Game Characters Beg to be Saved from the Demons of Hell in new Diablo IV Launch Film

May. 26, 2023

Diablo® IV, the next instalment of the famed gothic video game series by Blizzard Entertainment, is building hype and awareness for the game’s global launch on June 6, with a blockbuster film. 

In the second of several major cultural creative assets for the launch of Diablo® IV, the new film: Saviors Wanted devised by creative agency 72andSunny, was shot by Oscar winning director Chloé Zhao and co-director Kiku Ohe.

Diablo® IV is the next instalment in the genre-defining series. In the game, players take on the demonic hordes to save the dark gothic world of Sanctuary from succumbing to evil’s corruption. One of the most anticipated games of 2023, Diablo IV will be released on June 6. 

To bring the emotion and humanity of these in-game characters to life in a live action setting in a twist the non player characters (NPC) appeal to the audience, to help save them from the antagonist Lilith, taking over the Sanctuary.  The film aims to match the same level of craft and cinematic drama that exists in the game, outlining the horrors gamers will face in the Diablo world while providing some hope for heroic powers that can save it.

Director Chloé Zhao said:

"Working with Blizzard, we had the wonderful opportunity to bring the dark, thrilling and imaginative world of Diablo IV to life.  Diablo fans are very passionate, and many have been with the game for over two decades. We want to do right by the fans, honor the game’s rich lores and visceral world building while evoking the strong emotions the players feel while immersing in the game". 

 

The film will launch globally in paid media across over 20 different countries across NA, EMEA and APAC. Specifically in the US it will run on linear broadcast TV primarily on ESPN/ABC along with premium digital, social and streaming media. 

Kaleb Ruel, Diablo VP Global Consumer Marketing, said:

"Bringing the dark and dangerous world of Diablo IV to live-action was an exciting opportunity. Our characters set the stakes for you, the viewer of what’s to come June 6^th."

 

Tim Wolfe, Group Creative Director at 72andSunny, said:

"Bringing to life one of gaming’s darkest and most revered franchises is both a huge responsibility to the fans and a once in a lifetime experience…I mean, when are you going to get to recreate a blood-soaked, demon-riddled hellscape with a Oscar-winning director again? I can’t wait for Diablo V."