Diablo creator finds the worst ending hidden in D&D

Every gamer has a favorite game, a masterpiece of design that defines an era. But sometimes, even the most beloved adventures come with an ending that sends a familiar groan through the fanbase. For David Brevik, the creator of the legendary Diablo series, that groan is specifically reserved for a classic: the 1991 Dungeons and Dragons-lite, Eye of the Beholder.

While Brevik clearly adored the game, he confessed that he harbors a deep, abiding hatred for its conclusion. In a recent interview, he recounted the experience of finishing the epic adventure, noting that the moment the final boss was vanquished was immediately followed by a jarring, almost insulting dismissal: a simple dialogue box reading, “Congratulations, you win!”, before the game simply quit and dropped him to the desktop.

Brevik declared this experience to be the worst ending of any game he had ever played. This sentiment, he shared, is far from unique. Although Eye of the Beholder astounded players in the nineties with its stunning, nearly three-dimensional graphics, the narrative payoff was seen by some critics as profoundly unrewarding. One contemporary review lamented that the abrupt finish—killing the Beholder only to receive a text box and exit—was unmatched in the CRPG genre.

Despite this narrative stumble, Brevik remains firmly attached to the game. He stressed that the technical and immersive experience of Eye of the Beholder was simply amazing. He fondly recalled a time when game design prioritized exploration and atmosphere over a dramatic conclusion. Back then, with graphics that felt deceptively 3D and a turn-based, grid-based structure, the focus was on the journey through the dungeon, not the final fanfare.

Ultimately, Brevik’s story serves as a gentle reminder that game design is a complex blend of art and engineering. While breathtaking visuals can set a high bar, the true legacy of a game often lies not just in its stunning presentation, but in the lasting emotional impact of its story—even if that story ends with a simple, sudden exit.

By Harper Cole