David Brevik, creator of the iconic Diablo series, has expressed his displeasure with the stamina bar present in Diablo 2, a component he considers an obstacle to the player experience, especially for newcomers to the genre. Throughout its 25-year history, Diablo 2 has left an indelible mark on the action RPG genre, being considered a model for later titles. However, the stamina bar has been pointed out as one of its most persistent frustrations.
Now all games have a stamina bar
During an AMA on Reddit, Brevik commented: “I don’t like stamina in D2 and I wish we hadn’t included it.” Although this mechanism becomes irrelevant at higher levels, its impact in the early stages is noticeable; the bar depletes quickly and does not recharge unless the character is completely still. This can result in a “newbie rate,” as it limits the player’s ability to explore and combat efficiently.
Although the stamina bar is less common in recent installments like Diablo 3 and Diablo 4, its use has been maintained in other modern RPGs, such as Elden Ring, where it serves the purpose of adding a strategic dynamic to combat. Chris Wilson, co-creator of Path of Exile, defended the bar by arguing that it fosters a sense of mastery in players, which can provide satisfaction as they learn to manage it. Brevik, while acknowledging that this aspect may have some merits, suggests that a better system could have been designed to address the issue of mobility and combat.
The discussion between Brevik and Wilson highlights an ongoing debate in video game design about the inclusion of mechanics that are often perceived as limiting by players, despite their intentions to add depth to the game.
