Gaming Franchise x Anime/Manga Collabs: A Case Study of Diablo Immortal and Berserk
In recent years, collaborations between gaming franchises and anime/manga properties have become increasingly common. These partnerships create unique experiences for fans by blending the rich worlds and narratives of both media. By incorporating beloved anime characters, themes, and aesthetics, gaming franchises can engage broader audiences and add exciting content to their games.
A prime example of this trend is the collaboration between Blizzard Entertainment’s Diablo Immortal and the legendary manga Berserk by Kentaro Miura. The collaboration, which has brought Berserk’s brutal dark fantasy world into the Diablo Immortal universe, showcases how well-established anime/manga stories can seamlessly blend with the themes and lore of gaming franchises. This partnership not only celebrates the legacy of Berserk, but also demonstrates how gaming developers can tap into the cultural cachet of anime to enhance the player experience.
Overview of Diablo Immortal and Berserk
Diablo Immortal is a free-to-play, massively multiplayer online action role-playing game (MMO-ARPG) developed by Blizzard Entertainment and NetEase. Released in June 2022, it fits within the broader Diablo franchise and is set between the events of Diablo II and Diablo III. The game explores the ongoing battle between the forces of good and the evil forces led by the Lord of Damnation, Skarn, who seeks to manipulate the Worldstone’s shards to further his own dark goals. Players can choose from a variety of classes such as Barbarian, Necromancer, and Wizard, and engage in quests to thwart Skarn’s plans while delving into the game’s deeply immersive world of chaos and corruption.
The Diablo franchise is renowned for its dark, gothic aesthetic, intricate lore, and its signature combination of action-packed combat with complex world-building. Diablo Immortal, in particular, expands on these elements, allowing players to engage in intense battles while uncovering the deep history of the world they inhabit.
Berserk, created by Kentaro Miura, is a critically acclaimed dark fantasy manga that began serialization in 1989. The series follows Guts, a lone mercenary with a tragic past, as he battles through a brutal medieval world filled with supernatural horrors, betrayal, and personal struggles. One of the most notable aspects of Berserk is its exploration of deep themes such as survival, revenge, trauma, and the human condition. Guts’ journey, filled with betrayal, loss, and his relentless pursuit of vengeance, resonates with readers due to its emotional depth and raw depiction of the human experience.
Berserk has had a profound influence on both anime and gaming, with its dark tone and philosophical themes inspiring titles like Dark Souls and Elden Ring. (Hidetaka Miyazaki, the creator of these games, has openly acknowledged his admiration for Berserk, and many elements from the manga—such as character designs, themes, and even specific armor sets—have found their way into his games.) The world of Berserk is not only known for its rich, immersive storytelling but also its iconic characters, such as Guts, Griffith, and the Behelit. Its influence extends beyond manga, shaping the landscape of video game narratives and character development, making it a natural fit for a collaboration with a dark fantasy game like Diablo Immortal.
Diablo Immortal x Berserk Collaboration
The Diablo Immortal x Berserk collaboration, titled “Struggler’s Path,” brings a unique crossover event to players that merges the brutal world of Berserk with the dark fantasy universe of Diablo Immortal. Running from May 1 to May 30, 2025, this event is packed with thrilling content that allows players to engage with Berserk’s iconic characters and themes.
One of the standout features of the event is the Nosferatu Zodd boss fight. Zodd, one of Berserk’s most terrifying and enduring antagonists, becomes a formidable foe within Diablo Immortal, challenging players to defeat this immortal beast. Zodd’s terrifying form is further enhanced by the Crimson Behelit Legendary Gem, which unlocks an even more powerful version of the boss for those looking for an extra challenge.
In addition to the boss fight, the Survivor’s Bane Event transports players into Berserk's infamous Eclipse, a dark, hellish landscape where they face waves of monstrous enemies. This event is an exciting opportunity to experience the haunting atmosphere of Berserk firsthand within the Diablo Immortal universe, offering a visceral and intense gaming experience.
Players can also collect new loot, including Berserk-themed weapon skins, the Broken Band’s Armament, and Golem Familiars. These items allow players to infuse their gameplay with the aesthetic and narrative elements of Berserk, adding a deeper layer of engagement for fans of both properties.
In addition to the Diablo Immortal event, Diablo IV is also hosting its own Berserk crossover event from May 6 to the end of Season 8. This crossover introduces Berserk-themed cosmetics, Behelits as a special currency, and limited-time shop bundles, further enhancing the crossover experience for fans of the manga and both Diablo games.
The Appeal of Anime/Manga Collaborations with Game Franchises
Thematic Synergy: Collaborations between anime/manga and dark fantasy games like Diablo Immortal offer a perfect thematic synergy, particularly when the anime or manga explores mature, complex themes. Berserk’s brutal world, filled with existential struggles, trauma, and moral ambiguity, aligns seamlessly with Diablo Immortal's grim narrative of corruption, demonic forces, and the constant battle between light and dark. The thematic resonance of both worlds enhances the overall narrative, allowing fans to experience a deeper connection between the two media. For players of Diablo Immortal, the crossover event doesn’t just add characters and items—it invites them to explore similar dark themes through a different lens, enhancing the emotional depth and complexity of the game.
Fanbase Expansion: Collaborations like the one between Diablo Immortal and Berserk serve as a bridge between the gaming and anime/manga communities, attracting new players while engaging existing fans. For gamers, the addition of Berserk-themed content introduces them to the iconic manga and its rich world. On the flip side, Berserk fans who may not traditionally engage with video games are drawn in by the collaboration’s thematic tie-ins and the opportunity to interact with their beloved characters and storylines in an immersive gaming experience. This cross-pollination between fan bases drives interest and creates a deeper sense of community, as fans of both media can enjoy exclusive content and share in the excitement of the event.
Cross-Genre Appeal: These collaborations offer a unique chance to blend fan cultures, combining the artistry and storytelling of anime/manga with the interactive nature of video games. By incorporating beloved anime characters, visuals, and storylines into games, developers can tap into an entirely new demographic, broadening the appeal of both the game and the anime/manga franchise. For Diablo Immortal, the Berserk crossover isn't just about adding cosmetics; it's about weaving a new layer of narrative and cultural relevance into the game, offering a multifaceted experience that engages diverse audiences. The collaboration ultimately serves to enrich both media by fostering cross-genre excitement and offering fresh content that appeals to fans of all kinds.
How Anime Like Berserk Land Collaborations with Game Franchises
Game developers, like Blizzard, actively seek collaborations with anime and manga properties for several reasons. In the case of Diablo Immortal and Berserk, Blizzard likely approached the collaboration due to the thematic alignment between the two. Berserk’s dark fantasy elements, intricate world-building, and exploration of morality, death, and despair resonate with the tone of Diablo Immortal, which also delves into the depths of darkness and demonic forces. Collaborating with an established manga series like Berserk helps Blizzard tap into a fanbase that is already deeply invested in dark fantasy storytelling, bringing together two passionate communities. The shared love for grim, powerful narratives, along with Berserk’s long-standing influence on video games (such as Dark Souls and Elden Ring), makes it a natural fit for collaboration.
The Diablo Immortal x Berserk collaboration benefits both game developers and anime publishers. For Blizzard, the partnership offers access to Berserk's established fan base, which can translate to new players engaging with the game. By offering Berserk-themed events, loot, and cosmetics, Blizzard ensures that fans of the manga are drawn into the Diablo universe. On the other hand, Berserk gains increased visibility by being featured in a popular game. The collaboration introduces Berserk to a broader audience, particularly gamers who may not be familiar with the manga. This cross-promotion introduces Berserk’s rich narrative to a whole new set of fans while re-engaging existing followers by providing fresh content based on their beloved series. The mutual benefits go beyond visibility; the collaboration creates a unique synergy that enriches both franchises, enhancing fan engagement and providing exciting new content.
Conclusion
The Diablo Immortal and Berserk collaboration is a prime example of how anime and gaming franchises can come together to create meaningful, cross-cultural events that resonate with diverse audiences. The success of this partnership, with its thematic synergy, engaging gameplay additions, and exclusive rewards, highlights the growing importance of anime/manga collaborations in the gaming world. These events not only expand the cultural reach of both Diablo and Berserk, but they also offer fans a unique experience that blends the best of both media.
As Diablo Immortal’s Struggler’s Path event continues to run, it’s a perfect opportunity for fans of both Berserk and Diablo to explore how these franchises interact and enrich one another. These types of collaborations not only deepen the gaming experience but also demonstrate the continued impact of anime and manga on the global entertainment landscape. We encourage readers to dive into the event, collect new Berserk-themed loot, and appreciate how these collaborations bring added depth and excitement to gaming.