Diablo Immortal (2018 Announcement)

The 2018 Diablo Immortal announcement stands as one of the most tone-deaf reveals in gaming history, triggering an immediate backlash that outpaces #8 Xbox One's policy reversal. Blizzard unveiled a mobile-only Diablo title at BlizzCon, a PC-centric convention, to an audience hoping for Diablo IV. The infamous 'Do you guys not have phones?' retort from an executive became a viral meme, encapsulating the disconnect. Within 24 hours, the announcement generated over 3,000 negative reactions on YouTube, a 90% disapproval rate, and tanked Blizzard's stock by 2.5% the next trading day. Compared to the average game reveal, which sees a 70% positive sentiment, this launch achieved a mere 10% approval among core fans, cementing its legacy as a masterclass in misreading the room.