Diablo IV Launch

Entering Sanctuary
4349 People rarely get the chance to fully immerse themselves in their favorite video games…experience the sensation of reality melting away as they’re drawn into a vibrant world where every sight, sound, and sensation is magnified and the line between the virtual and the real becomes thrillingly blurred.
In our daring quest to bring the world of Diablo IV to life for its launch event, we embarked on a creative odyssey. Our expertise spanned from location scouting to production design, technical production, and UI/UX. Our goal? To create an unforgettable event that would captivate both those present and those watching from afar, leaving an indelible mark and establishing Diablo IV as the year's top release.
This multi-sensory journey utilized a mesmerizing mix of projection, LED elements, atmospheric lighting, audio, and video infrastructure, all amplified by breathtaking VFX and carefully selected content. As the full three-hour event unfolded, attendees found themselves enveloped in a world that masterfully blended the dark, gothic atmosphere of Diablo with the majesty of Renaissance art. The journey began at the entrance, where flickering stained glass and projected clouds set the atmospheric tone.
But our vision extended beyond the technical. We aimed to transform the renowned Vibiana venue into a hyper-realistic depiction of Sanctuary. Drawing inspiration from the game series and Renaissance-era religious art, we crafted a visual spectacle of opulent and macabre imagery.
The immersive journey continued with a ritualistic experience, where the projections transformed into lightning and storm clouds. The heart of this ritual was a meticulously planned 15-minute immersive experience, designed to plunge participants into the dark and thrilling world of Diablo IV. The appearance of Lilith, the Mother of Nephalem, added a layer of suspense and intrigue. The stained glass windows turned blood-red, and the ceiling projections shifted to reveal the presence of Inarius, further immersing attendees in the narrative.
The adventure led participants into a climactic battle sequence, with interactive windows creating an enthralling environment that blurred the lines between the virtual and the physical. As Lilith left the scene, a mysterious hooded figure appeared, and blood petals fell from the ceiling, creating an eerie atmosphere. The transition to a Hellscape and back further immersed attendees in the dark world of Diablo.
As the event came to a close, the stage faded to black, signaling the transition to the grand finale: a captivating set by Zedd. The stage design and scenic dressing were carefully crafted to honor the Diablo IP, with elements that showcased the dark and mythical atmosphere of the franchise. The addition of a mesmerizing projection component further enhanced the performance, captivating the audience and immersing them deeper into the Diablo universe.

Credits

Acronym

  • Executive ProducerPaul Elsberg
  • ProducerAlexis Taylor
  • Associate ProducerBen Rodenmeyer, Madeline Lavery
  • Executive Creative ProducerEmily Brackett
  • Executive Creative DirectorAlex Ilten
  • Creative DirectorAkiko Yamashita, Annie Chen
  • Art DirectorDan Mannino
  • 3D DesignerMoodie Younis
  • Environmental DesignerLaura Suhok
  • Graphic DesignerAaron Strelecki
  • DrafterGinevra Lombardo
  • Executive Creative Technology ProducerZach Saale
  • Director of ProgrammingColin Honigman
  • Shop ManagerJim Shawhan
  • Fabrication ManagerWilliam Quinby
  • Senior Technical ProducerNic Christopher
  • Production ManagerRyan Brown