In the grim world of the Diablo video games, hope is in short supply. The fourth entry in this long-running franchise is the darkest yet, set in a bleak and unforgiving world overrun by malevolent forces.
The 2024 expansion, Vessel of Hatred, continues this tradition of unrelenting solemnity. But it also introduces flickers of light in the form of Akarat; a legendary figure embodying compassion and hope in the fictional land of Sanctuary.
Akarat has figured prominently in Diablo’s in-game lore, but always in the background - a sage-like figure mentioned only in hushed tones or written about in ancient tomes. That changed with Vessel of Hatred, where he takes center stage in the narrative for the first time.
Ahead of the highly anticipated expansion, where players would fight alongside this mystical legend, we set out to explore his rich history. Our goal was to humanize this prophetic presence, allowing him to speak in his own words, to tell his own story, and to offer players a new perspective to consider before encountering him in-game.
The result is Akarat's Letter to the Dedicants - a lushly animated and beautifully written exploration of an iconic figure’s struggle in the face of hatred incarnate. Our aim was not only to build anticipation for Vessel of Hatred among existing Diablo fans, but also to craft a stand-alone narrative experience compelling enough to draw new players into the franchise’s densely-layered lore.
This project began with the goal of humanizing a character we knew would play a significant role in the expansion’s unfolding narrative. Expanding Akarat’s story was an exciting prospect, but one that had to be approached with great care to ensure his personality and sentiments remained tonally consistent with the established lore.
The first step, naturally, was writing the script. We chose a letter to his dedicated followers as the format, allowing us to portray Akarat at his most reflective. This medium provided a perfect opportunity for him to emotionally address his loving followers, pour out his metaphorical heart, and, by extension, connect directly with the viewer. It also allowed us to write in the first person, further grounding his character in the fictional present.
Once the initial draft was completed, it was delivered to the narrative and lore teams, where it was carefully reviewed for accuracy and consistency. Every detail, from speech patterns to overarching narrative beats, were closely examined and discussed. This rigorous approval process highlights the level of care taken to preserve the integrity of Diablo’s complex lore.
With the script locked, our writer/producer shifted focus to securing the right voice talent.
There is only one voice in the piece, that of Akarat himself, so it was essential he be played by the same performer who voices him in-game. This decision carried even greater significance because the video was set to release before the expansion - meaning this would be the first time fans would hear Akarat’s voice.
Of course, a video is only as strong as its visuals, so we knew the animation and design had to be top-tier. Understanding the time and craftsmanship required for creating high-quality visuals, we divided production into two key elements: art and animation.
Within Diablo’s lore, Akarat’s teachings kindled several religious movements, some still active within the game. This guided our decision to ground the visuals in the style of an illuminated text, which synergized beautifully with the letter format of the script. Our illustrator drew inspiration from the intricate layers and delicate gold accents of illuminated religious texts, setting the overall art direction and composition, and establishing the piece’s gilded aesthetic. After a rigorous approvals process, these elements were then handed off to our animator, who brought them to life with movement, dynamic elements, and a final layer of polish.
Once all the pieces came together in the editing room, we knew we had something truly special. That confidence was validated by the audience reaction when we released the video on our YouTube channel.
The finished piece achieved exactly what we hoped - a compelling video that stands on its own as a captivating and visually striking narrative, while also expanding Diablo lore and sparking viewers’ desire to learn more.
Akarat's Letter to the Dedicants was a success by every metric, securing our elaborate lore pieces as audience favorites:
As with all of our lore-driven content, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Comments like:
“I know Diablo has always been a grimdark setting, but I'm actually surprised and happy about the hope this video seems to convey. Ending with "Even a wolf deserves to rest." is so powerful.”
-prove that Akarat’s letter resonated far beyond his fictional followers, and touched the hearts of our very real ones.
