Fashion has nothing to do with it. D3 is poor in most respects. From the ps3 version, the storyline is weak at best. True depth isn't something that Diablo is known for, but the first two had their elements which made them work. D3 has no skills or character customisation other than the initial choice. Combat is basic, moreso than others due to the lack of customisation. Then, on pc specifically it is a total drm fest, really always on DRM. And then the pay money for items auction house nonsense. Not to mention that blizzard have forbidden mods, which is really bad.
These are the reasons why D3 isn't a Diablo game, nor worthy of any mention in relation to games of this genre.

If we are talking about Torchlight 2 and Diablo 3:

I played with both and I think Diablo 3 is better than Torchlight.
The cartoony environment and design, the way how the battle works and the statpoints makes Torchlight boring for me.

In Diablo 3 the design looks better, the battle is more fun and changeable skills are great.... and you dont need to spend stat points and read 500 sites about how to build your character.

However Torchlight 2 is a loveable game while Diablo 3 is a fucked up shit.
I don't recommend either of them, but It just my opinion.

Valve needs heavy hitters. An EA release is not sure to be on Steam and Ubisoft often require uplay. Valve needs the big game and Bethesda and Runic supply it. Runic, in that case is an even more perfect model for what Valve wants because they are a fairly independent and smaller-scale developer leveraging Valve's technology and reach that its platform supplies to make their games more profitable. Larian can probably be classed the same now since OS.

If TL2 isn't here, and it doesn't make use of any Steamworks technology which I wasn't even aware, then there must be a reason for it. Maybe that reason has something to do with the only place it is. Or, you know, maybe not. Might be something entirely unrelated. Maybe Eric Schaefer's convinced his ass gets itchy when he thinks of gog and so now he has a bias. It's probably got nothing to do with Valve or Steam.

Now I'm confused.

After reading the title I though it's about Torchlight vs. Diablo.
After reading the first post I thought it's about Torchlight vs. Diablo 3.
Now I'm reading aobut Torchlight 2 vs. Diablo 3.
Or is it maybe Torchlight 2 vs. Diablo 2?
Or Torchlight vs. Diablo 2?

DAFUQ?!

I have a better question, why isn't TL 2 here yet? I had an absolute blast with that game, it needs to be here.

Blasting skeletons with a shotgun as the wall behind them breaks apart was visceral and satisfying :)

Tbh I have no idea!

You're aware that TL1 can be purchased direct from Runic (non-steam version) and on steam, while TL2 can be purchased direct from Runic (non-steam version), on steam, and on Origin, right? The fact that both games can be played without Steam isn't really "leveraging steams technology" very well.

And that's before we even look at whether Runic (a 2 game studio) can be considered a "Heavy Hitter".

As was Torchlight 1, but they've never been for sale at Humble, just in the bundles.

Of course, Torchlight 1 is also available here.

Indeed. Since Runic sell a steam-free version...

With their own DRM.

themselves. on their own site. doesn't count. doesn't invalidate my points.

Yes they did! ...for the console versions...

I didn't know TL2 is on origin. that's interesting. the game being distributed by them, personally on their site, doesn't matter. as for steam support, if game does not use CEG or Steamworks it's getting no kickback from Steam? Steam still provides a platform to communicate to userbase both converted and prospective, a platform for userbase to communicate with itself, metrics tracking, and patching and other maintenance functionality.

but I'm surprised to hear TL2 is on Origin. that does go against my exclusivity argument. I had no idea though and I've never seen them talk about it even once. still, that was in 2012, only a year after origin launched. that was the before times, when origin didn't even have a few supporters, and torchlight II's success on Steam.

Origin

I personally don't think that Valve gives a shit where Runic sells their games.