What did you think of the Diablo 4 reveals at IGN Fan Fest this weekend?

IGN Fan Fest 2023 was this weekend, and while the event isn’t close to being as big of a deal as Comic-Con or Summer Game Fest, it does provide a niche service for nerd-friendly properties due to arrive before the big summer events start. And while I’m personally very excited about the arrival of Cocaine Bear later this week — and I would’ve been excited for the Honor Among Thieves reveals if it hadn’t been for certain missteps by Wizards lately — for gaming, the big news was Diablo 4.

The first of two majors announcements was the reveal of the dates for early access and open beta in March. Those who pre-purchase will be able to test the weekend of March 17, while everyone will be able to test the following weekend. While these windows are relatively narrow for a beta test, it should be a great opportunity for those still on the fence to see whether the game is worth getting in June.

The other big reveal was the opening in-game cinematic:

Of particular interest in this cinematic is that your character will be featured rather than a generic nameless PC or an NPC like Inarius. It appears that the technology to insert your character into a cinematic rather than a cutscene limits how much action they can show off — plus it wouldn’t make much sense for your Necromancer or Sorceress to engage in fisticuffs — so the opening opts instead for setting the mood, and it is grisly (although arguably the tamest of all the videos we’ve seen so far).

What did you think of the new opening cinematic? Did it get you hyped for June, or were you hoping for something meatier like the Rogue announce cinematic? Do you plan on taking part in the beta (either early access or open) next month? And what did you think of the Inarius statue?