Diablo creator reveals the ‘worst’ game ending he ever played

From Wizardry to World of Warcraft: How One Designer Shaped the Landscape of Gaming

David Brevik’s journey through the world of video games is a fascinating chronicle, stretching from the humble beginnings of the Apple II to his current role as a game publisher. His path is less about following trends and more about deeply understanding the foundational elements of interactive design—a path that took him from playing the earliest titles to co-founding studios that defined modern RPGs.

Brevik’s passion for gaming predates the advent of the IBM PC. Growing up, he immersed himself in classics like The Oregon Trail and the influential strategy game Wizardry on the Apple II Plus. These early experiences laid the groundwork for a mind that instinctively understood the magic hidden within code and graphics.

As his career progressed, Brevik moved from player to architect. He spent years in the software and game industry before co-founding Condor, where he designed titles like Mistfall Hunter and It Lurks Below. A pivotal moment came when he pitched the game Diablo to Blizzard Entertainment, a move that would dramatically reshape the Action Role-Playing Game genre. The resulting success cemented his reputation as an influential figure in gaming history.

After leaving Blizzard, Brevik continued to explore the creative frontier, designing titles such as Marvel Heroes and Tiny Bookshop for Skystone Games, demonstrating a continuous ability to innovate within the industry.

Today, while managing published titles like Mistfall Hunter, he remains deeply involved in the community. He recently resurrected an old project, Marvel Heroes, by engaging with die-hard fans who created fan-made servers. This endeavor provided a new kind of rewarding experience, connecting him with a thriving community through streaming and collaboration.

Brevik’s love for deep, immersive worlds is perhaps best exemplified by his enduring attachment to classic massive multiplayer environments. He has dedicated thousands of hours to games like World of Warcraft and the expansive lore of EverQuest. These experiences, despite some of their notoriously challenging gameplay—like navigating treacherous dragon runs in EverQuest—offer a unique sense of shared history.

Beyond his professional work, Brevik remains a dedicated programmer, constantly tinkering with projects and prototyping new game ideas. This creative impulse is reflected in his workspace, which often features a delightful, if chaotic, mix of development tools, design notes, and desktop icons scattered across the screen, evidence of a mind perpetually engaged in creation.