Surprise-dropping Diablo 4's Paladin is an obvious marketing ploy ... and that shit worked on me GOOD

Diablo 4 and I haven't really been speaking for a few months.

Now, that's not because I hate the game like some people, or even dislike the game at all, really. I was mildly disappointed by last year's expansion, Vessel of Hatred, despite really enjoying the Spiritborn class that came with it. But I've played the game since, and it's moving in the right direction season by season.

But I like playing Diablo in bursts, skipping seasons that don't really appeal to me, and then going hard when I feel like diving in. Since 2023, when Diablo 4 launched, I've had to play every season extensively for work.

So, after losing the old job in May ... I didn't really feel motivated to play. I kept up with the news to the most mild degree, and had faith that someday we'd get the second expansion, which I – like literally everyone else – hoped beyond hope would bring a sword & board holy warrior (the best class in all fantasy games).

Instead, Blizzard decided to surprise drop the Paladin on the night of The Game Awards, with the start of season 11. And I have not been more excited to play Diablo 4 since the game was in beta.