According to Diablo 3’s director, a console version is still somewhat a possibility, but one cloaked in mystery.

For those who haven’t been paying attention to the rumors of a console version of Diablo 3, allow us to summarize by saying that within Blizzard, there doesn’t seem to be any consensus on exactly where the development currently stands. The excitement all started when a console release was deemed to be “very likely” by the studio, who then revealed that new talent was being brought in to work on the “dream job” of developing a console version.

Jump to November 2011, and the game’s director Jay Wilson explaining that the disbelief of Diablo coming to consoles was expected, but not accurate:

It seems that the reasons console owners fail to believe that a version of D3 could be built with their systems in mind may be due to the developers themselves. The launch of Diablo 3 has come and gone, and with no mention of console plans, Wilson shed some light on the possiblity of ever seeing one.

Speaking with Gamasutra this week, Wilson was asked whether a console version was being “experimented” with internally. His response just about encapsulates Blizzard’s position to date:

So there you have it. It seems that the Diablo 3 console team - formed of recruited talent and led by Josh Mosqueira - has been experimenting with the possibility of a console version. Except they aren’t really experimenting. Not until they’re sure it can be done. Which they’ll only know once they’ve hired the people who could complete it.

We can only assume that there is a single, accurate way of describing development on the project at present, but perhaps anyone on the outside just can’t grasp it.

Wilson’s comments about having the “resources” to accomplish the task are somewhat confusing, since it’s hard to think of a developer more capable of pumping endless money and time into a sure-fire hit than Blizzard. With no time limits on any other StarCraft II expansions, or Diablo 3 itself, it seems that if the company is able to hire developers for work that may not result in a product, simply making it a reality wouldn’t be much of a leap.

What is your take on Wilson’s comments, considering the past remarks made by he and others at Blizzard? Think this is all just a sign that they aren’t too committed to bringing the game to consoles?

Diablo 3 is available now for PC and Mac.

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Follow me on Twitter @andrew_dyce.

Source: Gamasutra