In the past days there have been a lot of activity in the network sites after the countdown teaser. A few forum threads keep continuous debate between Diablo fans of what this announcement will be. I have given a few responses of what it is not, to make sure fans won't be thinking the wrong thing. We have made no claims and expect fans to not get caught up with the wave of speculations and rumors in the forums and the web to the point to believe them.
With that said, I will mention some of those I have ruled out since it seems fans haven't thoroughfully read all the forum posts in said thread.
Things the May 1 Announcement are not:
1. It is not an official announcement of Diablo 3
2. It is not about an upcoming Diablo novel
3. It is not a Network merge
Only Blizzard Entertainment may make an official announcement of games, unless we had a leak. However, we have no leaks. We know as much as you do whether or not there will or not be an announcement at the Blizzard Worldwide Invitationals. We do have our own set of theories such as the Blizzard Worldwide Invitationals ending the same day Diablo II was released (June 29 2000) and Diablo II: Lord of Destruction expansion being released (June 29, 2001). We will all have to wait and see what happens.
I have been open commenting there will be new Diablo novels. Richard A. Knaak commented on the video interview other writers might be writing new Diablo novels at some point. However, no new novels could justify a two weeks countdown teaser unless it was something that might be considered as a decent announcement.
As for rumors that this is all about a Network merger, I have to say no. As far as Umaro has told me, each site is independent. For example, this community is mostly Diablo news, content and upcoming interviews. StarcraftTwo will get at some point a face lift with a new layout and CMS to cover only Starcraft news, content and such. Blizzplanet will continue to do what it has always done: all games news, interviews, Blizzard product coverage and promo.
What the flip is the May 1st Announcement then?
Well, the answer will be unleashed that day. Not earlier.
Does Blizzard know?
I would say yes.
Is it about the Diablo II Patch?
Blizzard officially hinted of a Diablo II patch in an interview from China when the Zerg race was unveiled. I have stalked four Blizzard folks, and haven't gotten any updates at this time. I might be given a follow up, hopefully.
Is it about BlizzCast Episode 3
BlizzCast Episode 3 was recorded many days ago. It is probably been edited and distributed to the localization team. For that matter, there can't be an ETA. It will be out when it is ready. Once episode 3 is translated to all the Blizzard supported languages, the web designers will prepare the webpage code for a simultaneous release. I was told the questions I gathered from the diablo3.com community won't show up in Episode 3 and probably nor in episode 4. By the time I had submited these questions there had been months prior to that of hundreds of questions submited by the World of Warcraft and Starcraft 2 communities. It will also depend on whether the Diablo II Team Developers are available at the time a BlizzCast is produced. Sounds like they are busy folks nowadays. Fret not, our questions are on queue. They will get answered on BlizzCast format at some point. The most I can say here is: BlizzCast 3 is coming out soon. And no, the May 1 countdown teaser isn't to announce BlizzCast 3.
Is the Countdown Teaser about an Interview?
A Diablo II Team interview request was answered as follow: "It's is a possibility". I will update you in upcoming months.
How good is the countdown anyways? Why should I bother coming around on May 1?
Would I come up clean and spare you 10 days of agony, if I didn't know there is still some good behind the May 1 announcement? [grins]
There is some merit to the announcement. Sadly it is not what we are all awaiting and craving for years. But it is a step forward in its own rightful positive kind of way to what fans are craving for. Hope this quick FAQ may help some people. I am a fan too, and I really don't want people getting way too excited than they should by following forum rumor mill threads.
13. The Church of the Triune 12. The Cathedral of Light 11. Seram will be shaken in 11 days 10. Kehjan will be shaken in 10 days 9. Kurast will be shaken in 9 Days 8. Westmarch will be shaken in 8 Days 7. Lut Gholein will be shaken in 7 Days 6. Khanduras will be shaken in 6 Days 5. Tristam will be shaken in 5 Days 4. The Arreat Summit will be shaken in 4 Days 3. The Worldstone will be shaken in 3 Days 2. The World of Sanctuary will be shaken in 2 Days 1. The World Wide Web will be shaken in 1 Day
How about this question MD. Has anyone come close to a good prediction of what will be announced? Or maybe a really accurate prediction...don't have to say who or anything just yes or no
I'm still going with either Diablo3.com becoming an official Blizzard fansite, or Blizzard is aquiring Diablo3.com (or the patch, can't tell if it is ruled out or not).
How about this question MD. Has anyone come close to a good prediction of what will be announced? Or maybe a really accurate prediction...don't have to say who or anything just yes or no
maybe :):):)
Quote from "MasterNeo" »
Well at least thats cleared up most of it! but you can't blame us all for getting excited. You havent stated thats it is not a patch tho medi!
Bring on May 1st!
Read again. I ruled out the patch. lol
The reason I posted this mini-FAQ is because as a fan myself I can't withstand other fans getting their hearts broken believing something that we didn't claim, and that is born from fan-made rumor and speculation.
I had already answered the questions shown in the FAQ a few days ago at one of the forum threads, but people kept pushing it was Diablo 3 announcement (ignoring that I had ruled that out already). I made the FAQ for those who missed my post days ago.
I'm not sure if this was ruled out.. but from what another fan said.. I'm willing to believe blizzard aquires this website, switches it to their area, and the only page that shows when you type Diablo3.com is.. a new picture of Cain that says.. "Stay awhile, and listen!"
Am I the only one thinking it's info about the Diablo movie? Why else would have the web link here? Or, it could be a diablo spin-off, IE a mobile game, or console port.
1.) are u happy with the amount of hype generated over this countdown timer?
2.) do u wish it was more or less then atm (hype), and did u expect more or less (hype) than it is at this time?
3.) what do u think , how many ppl who come here on may 1. will be thrilled and how many "not so thrilled" with the news (answer in % if can )
am joking with the last question, i know u cant answer that.
I like the way this sounds. I also like the way an "announcement of an announcement" sounds, but I believe that they let that news drop about three and a half weeks before the tournament last year and it wasn't necessarily a publicity thing, rather a matter-of-fact press release.
I had already answered the questions shown in the FAQ a few days ago at one of the forum threads, but people kept pushing it was Diablo 3 announcement (ignoring that I had ruled that out already). I made the FAQ for those who missed my post days ago.
You should have realised by now that people have an eerie ability to totaly not comprehend the written or spoken word if it suits them.
1.) are u happy with the amount of hype generated over this countdown timer?
1. Very happy.
Quote from "mgcemir" »
2.) do u wish it was more or less then atm (hype), and did u expect more or less (hype) than it is at this time?
2. I wish there was more hype, but responsibly. That's why I ruled out it was a game announcement from us. We are not Blizzard to make that type of announcement. Not sure if to say I was expecting more or less hype. I know who to submit news and that from there it would explode on every corner of the globe as those places are mostly news source for other sites. On the other hand, Blizzplanet is also a news source for sites in China, France, Germany, Italy and many other places.
Quote from "mgcemir" »
3.) what do u think , how many ppl who come here on may 1. will be thrilled and how many "not so thrilled" with the news
3. This can be relative. Many will be thrilled on May 1. Many will not be thrilled because they were expecting a diablo 3 announcement or leak or info even when I have said a few times it is ruled out as the countdown reason. Many will feel they didn't see it coming. Others will be like meh. I can't run a statistic analysis, but you can never satisfy everyone.
For those who do get thrilled on May 1, it will mean a lot to them. Hear the heartbeats? It is a metaphor.
1. Your heartbeats thrilled with excitement.
2. Breathing life to our hopes?
On the other hand, it can be announced this year, or it can be announced the next. I have no idea. Just hunches. May 1 is a solid clue of things set in motion.
I have a few theories of my own. But I think one thing is for certain, there will be a HUGE announcement official or not. I believe that "half the internet will link D3.com" isn't a HUGE overstatement. I believe the people in charge of this network are very prudent people and will not make such a claim without solid foundation.
My Theories
1- Blizzard will buy Diablo3.com. -This is unlikely because by doing this they are practically revealing that they will announce Diablo 3 during WWI 2008. Blizzard are very very evil people and will do their best so that we are on the edge of our seats.
2- Blizzard will announce a Next Gen MMO which is based on the Diablo Universe. Notice how MD said they would be no announcement of Diablo 3. I think this is correct, they won't announce Diablo 3 but they may announce a game of a different title which happens to be based on Diablo Uni/Lore. - This theory has may holes in it, but it could also be tactics of misdirection employed by MD and other staff. It's also logical that Blizzard will name their next Gen MMO anything else than Diablo 3. It will contain the words "Sanctuary" most likely as it seems to be a recurring theme in the current novels and etc. But as i mentioned this theory has many holes in it.
3- Staff of the Diablo3.com network have already played the Next Gen MMO and will write up a review around the game without announcing "it". - I think this is the most solid theory i have. It suffers from the problem with Theory 1 in that if Diablo3.com has a review of a top secret game, it MUST be Diablo3 right? Wrong again, Blizzard is a company of surprises. They use tactics such as subtle hints, misdirections and obvious clues shrouded in complex wording.
The reason I believe Theory 3 is the strongest out of the 3 is that when MD posted this mini FAQ he devoted a LARGE portion of the post saying what the May1 announcement WON'T be. Once again I believe he is being very very coy and trying to distract us from the real prize here Also concerning Theory3. Look if Diablo3.com did put up a review of it most people would definitely think it was Diablo 3. Very very obvious, then this affect of doubt creeps into the mind of the Diablo Fans "hell, blizzard never makes things this obvious, OMG ITS STARCRAFT MMO" The result is two polar theories, one is that Diablo3.com has the first and only review of the game it must be Diablo3, then the opposite side counters with "Well Blizzard will surely make a better effort than that, therefore it cannot be Diablo3" and this goes on for a while generating hype at a level we haven't seen before. Hype= Intrest= Half the web linking to diablo3.com?
PlugY for Diablo II allows you to reset skills and stats, transfer items between characters in singleplayer, obtain all ladder runewords and do all Uberquests while offline. It is the only way to do all of the above. Please use it.
Supporting big shoulderpads and flashy armor since 2004.
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With that said, I will mention some of those I have ruled out since it seems fans haven't thoroughfully read all the forum posts in said thread.
Things the May 1 Announcement are not:
1. It is not an official announcement of Diablo 3
2. It is not about an upcoming Diablo novel
3. It is not a Network merge
Only Blizzard Entertainment may make an official announcement of games, unless we had a leak. However, we have no leaks. We know as much as you do whether or not there will or not be an announcement at the Blizzard Worldwide Invitationals. We do have our own set of theories such as the Blizzard Worldwide Invitationals ending the same day Diablo II was released (June 29 2000) and Diablo II: Lord of Destruction expansion being released (June 29, 2001). We will all have to wait and see what happens.
I have been open commenting there will be new Diablo novels. Richard A. Knaak commented on the video interview other writers might be writing new Diablo novels at some point. However, no new novels could justify a two weeks countdown teaser unless it was something that might be considered as a decent announcement.
As for rumors that this is all about a Network merger, I have to say no. As far as Umaro has told me, each site is independent. For example, this community is mostly Diablo news, content and upcoming interviews. StarcraftTwo will get at some point a face lift with a new layout and CMS to cover only Starcraft news, content and such. Blizzplanet will continue to do what it has always done: all games news, interviews, Blizzard product coverage and promo.
What the flip is the May 1st Announcement then?
Well, the answer will be unleashed that day. Not earlier.
Does Blizzard know?
I would say yes.
Is it about the Diablo II Patch?
Blizzard officially hinted of a Diablo II patch in an interview from China when the Zerg race was unveiled. I have stalked four Blizzard folks, and haven't gotten any updates at this time. I might be given a follow up, hopefully.
Is it about BlizzCast Episode 3
BlizzCast Episode 3 was recorded many days ago. It is probably been edited and distributed to the localization team. For that matter, there can't be an ETA. It will be out when it is ready. Once episode 3 is translated to all the Blizzard supported languages, the web designers will prepare the webpage code for a simultaneous release. I was told the questions I gathered from the diablo3.com community won't show up in Episode 3 and probably nor in episode 4. By the time I had submited these questions there had been months prior to that of hundreds of questions submited by the World of Warcraft and Starcraft 2 communities. It will also depend on whether the Diablo II Team Developers are available at the time a BlizzCast is produced. Sounds like they are busy folks nowadays. Fret not, our questions are on queue. They will get answered on BlizzCast format at some point. The most I can say here is: BlizzCast 3 is coming out soon. And no, the May 1 countdown teaser isn't to announce BlizzCast 3.
Is the Countdown Teaser about an Interview?
A Diablo II Team interview request was answered as follow: "It's is a possibility". I will update you in upcoming months.
How good is the countdown anyways? Why should I bother coming around on May 1?
Would I come up clean and spare you 10 days of agony, if I didn't know there is still some good behind the May 1 announcement? [grins]
There is some merit to the announcement. Sadly it is not what we are all awaiting and craving for years. But it is a step forward in its own rightful positive kind of way to what fans are craving for. Hope this quick FAQ may help some people. I am a fan too, and I really don't want people getting way too excited than they should by following forum rumor mill threads.
Elfen_Lied posted a digg if you want to support this countdown.
http://www.digg.com/gaming_news/Diablo_3_related_Countdown
A roundup of countdown teaser banner text:
13. The Church of the Triune
12. The Cathedral of Light
11. Seram will be shaken in 11 days
10. Kehjan will be shaken in 10 days
9. Kurast will be shaken in 9 Days
8. Westmarch will be shaken in 8 Days
7. Lut Gholein will be shaken in 7 Days
6. Khanduras will be shaken in 6 Days
5. Tristam will be shaken in 5 Days
4. The Arreat Summit will be shaken in 4 Days
3. The Worldstone will be shaken in 3 Days
2. The World of Sanctuary will be shaken in 2 Days
1. The World Wide Web will be shaken in 1 Day
http://www.blizzplanet.com
However! I'm going to have to wait to see if my prediction comes true
Read again. I ruled out the patch. lol
The reason I posted this mini-FAQ is because as a fan myself I can't withstand other fans getting their hearts broken believing something that we didn't claim, and that is born from fan-made rumor and speculation.
I had already answered the questions shown in the FAQ a few days ago at one of the forum threads, but people kept pushing it was Diablo 3 announcement (ignoring that I had ruled that out already). I made the FAQ for those who missed my post days ago.
http://www.blizzplanet.com
imagine in 10 days how will we all look. like cartman playing wow.
Live to win, till u die ftw !
1.) are u happy with the amount of hype generated over this countdown timer?
2.) do u wish it was more or less then atm (hype), and did u expect more or less (hype) than it is at this time?
3.) what do u think , how many ppl who come here on may 1. will be thrilled and how many "not so thrilled" with the news (answer in % if can )
am joking with the last question, i know u cant answer that.
I like the way this sounds. I also like the way an "announcement of an announcement" sounds, but I believe that they let that news drop about three and a half weeks before the tournament last year and it wasn't necessarily a publicity thing, rather a matter-of-fact press release.
You should have realised by now that people have an eerie ability to totaly not comprehend the written or spoken word if it suits them.
2. I wish there was more hype, but responsibly. That's why I ruled out it was a game announcement from us. We are not Blizzard to make that type of announcement. Not sure if to say I was expecting more or less hype. I know who to submit news and that from there it would explode on every corner of the globe as those places are mostly news source for other sites. On the other hand, Blizzplanet is also a news source for sites in China, France, Germany, Italy and many other places.
3. This can be relative. Many will be thrilled on May 1. Many will not be thrilled because they were expecting a diablo 3 announcement or leak or info even when I have said a few times it is ruled out as the countdown reason. Many will feel they didn't see it coming. Others will be like meh. I can't run a statistic analysis, but you can never satisfy everyone.
For those who do get thrilled on May 1, it will mean a lot to them. Hear the heartbeats? It is a metaphor.
1. Your heartbeats thrilled with excitement.
2. Breathing life to our hopes?
On the other hand, it can be announced this year, or it can be announced the next. I have no idea. Just hunches. May 1 is a solid clue of things set in motion.
http://www.blizzplanet.com
pretty much says it all for me
http://www.blizzplanet.com
I have a few theories of my own. But I think one thing is for certain, there will be a HUGE announcement official or not. I believe that "half the internet will link D3.com" isn't a HUGE overstatement. I believe the people in charge of this network are very prudent people and will not make such a claim without solid foundation.
My Theories
1- Blizzard will buy Diablo3.com. -This is unlikely because by doing this they are practically revealing that they will announce Diablo 3 during WWI 2008. Blizzard are very very evil people and will do their best so that we are on the edge of our seats.
2- Blizzard will announce a Next Gen MMO which is based on the Diablo Universe. Notice how MD said they would be no announcement of Diablo 3. I think this is correct, they won't announce Diablo 3 but they may announce a game of a different title which happens to be based on Diablo Uni/Lore. - This theory has may holes in it, but it could also be tactics of misdirection employed by MD and other staff. It's also logical that Blizzard will name their next Gen MMO anything else than Diablo 3. It will contain the words "Sanctuary" most likely as it seems to be a recurring theme in the current novels and etc. But as i mentioned this theory has many holes in it.
3- Staff of the Diablo3.com network have already played the Next Gen MMO and will write up a review around the game without announcing "it". - I think this is the most solid theory i have. It suffers from the problem with Theory 1 in that if Diablo3.com has a review of a top secret game, it MUST be Diablo3 right? Wrong again, Blizzard is a company of surprises. They use tactics such as subtle hints, misdirections and obvious clues shrouded in complex wording.
The reason I believe Theory 3 is the strongest out of the 3 is that when MD posted this mini FAQ he devoted a LARGE portion of the post saying what the May1 announcement WON'T be. Once again I believe he is being very very coy and trying to distract us from the real prize here Also concerning Theory3. Look if Diablo3.com did put up a review of it most people would definitely think it was Diablo 3. Very very obvious, then this affect of doubt creeps into the mind of the Diablo Fans "hell, blizzard never makes things this obvious, OMG ITS STARCRAFT MMO" The result is two polar theories, one is that Diablo3.com has the first and only review of the game it must be Diablo3, then the opposite side counters with "Well Blizzard will surely make a better effort than that, therefore it cannot be Diablo3" and this goes on for a while generating hype at a level we haven't seen before. Hype= Intrest= Half the web linking to diablo3.com?
These are just my 2 cents.
May 1 here we come
Umaro has stated multiple times that if Blizzard wanted this domain he would just give it to them, no cash involved.
Also...
Sigged.