Most game promos hope to impress audiences by depicting snippets that show their drama, excitement and action. 72andSunny’s promo for Diablo IV has all that – and something else, the personal touch. In its sequences characters beg you to save them.
72andSunny’s film, Saviors Wanted , is the second of several major cultural creative assets for the launch of Diablo IV and was shot by Oscar-winning director, Chloé Zhao, and co-director Kiku Ohe.
In the game, players take on the demonic hordes to save the dark gothic world of Sanctuary from succumbing to evil’s corruption.
The campaign aims to appeal to connect its audiences to the humanity of the in-game characters, asking players to save them from the antagonist Lilith, taking over the Sanctuary. The film matches the level of craft and cinematic drama that exists in the game, outlining the horrors gamers will face in the Diablo world while providing some hope that their heroic powers can save it.
Director, Chloé Zhao, commented, “Working with Blizzard, we had the wonderful opportunity to bring the dark, thrilling and imaginative world of Diablo IV to life. Diablo fans are very passionate, and many have been with the game for over two decades. We want to do right by the fans, honour the game’s rich lore and visceral world building while evoking the strong emotions the players feel while immersing in the game.”
The film launched globally in paid media across over 20 different countries across NA, EMEA and APAC. In the US, it will also run on linear broadcast TV, primarily on ESPN/ABC along with premium digital, social and streaming media.
Kaleb Ruel, Diablo VP global consumer marketing, stated, “Bringing the dark and dangerous world of Diablo IV to live-action was an exciting opportunity. Our characters set the stakes for you, the viewer of what’s to come June 6.”
Tim Wolfe, group creative director at 72andSunny, added, “Bringing to life one of gaming’s darkest and most revered franchises is both a huge responsibility to the fans and a once in a lifetime experience…I mean, when are you going to get to recreate a blood-soaked, demon-riddled hellscape with a Oscar-winning director again? I can’t wait for Diablo V.”
Credits:
Client: Blizzard Entertainment
Agency: 72andSunny
Film Production: Superprime
Director: Chloé Zhao
Co-Director: Kiku Ohe
Editorial: Work Editorial
Color: Company 3
VFX & Post Production: The Mill
Sound Design: LIME
Mix: LIME
Music Composition: Walker
