Nested Selves, Networked Communities: A Case Study of Diablo II by Dr. William Bainbridge. Wiley Online Library Why it’s interesting: The "Online Renaissance": It compares the rise of online gaming communities in
to the historical Renaissance, suggesting that the game allows for a "renaissance of an older, more integrated worldview". Community Fashioning:
Newer versions of the game, including the upcoming Season 13 (starting February 20, 2026), introduce significant quality-of-life updates such as loot filters, rune and gem stacking, and global server support. Modern Enhancements