DiabloFans

NO NO LOAD COMPARES TO THE ONE I JUST SENT FLYING THRU MY TV WHEN I SAW THE PORTAL 2 TRAILER. At the end i got chills thats how psyched i am about Portal 2, NOT TO MENTION KILLZONE 3 in 3D and CRYSIS 2 in 3d... pu tit this way i just bought a ps3 in my mind. Other notable mentions would be HOMEFRONT, damn that seemed really good to me for a brand new FPS... MEDAL OF HONOR JESUS i want it now good thing the betas live june 21st, Witched 2 didnt seem bad and neither did Hunted. I am also extremely psyched about Deadspace 2 which looks really fun to play i can't wait. other than that and Ghost recon Future soldie which is also 3d, i didn't see much NINTENDO BOMBED.. the first and only game i was looking foward to is the zelda one and i didnt seem to like it much. FABLE 3 is also worth a good look too.

That is thesickest dirtiest most unlwafula dn disgusting thing I ever heard. Those parents should be executed hung a cross and drowned they don't deserve to die and then to tell the cops oh we haven't went ina game room in five months they think that makes It okay or something? Like it made up for killing their child?...that's just pathetic

Quote from "ActionBastard" »

ok so i returned today to play only to find that my account was hacked. thats the last of nexon products for me. ill be searching for something else.

Lmao wow that sucks. you had such good stuff on it too. Aand btw NExon wont be making any of these games anymore they were bought by a diff company also Pretty much its due to their stupidty of using ahnlab literally one of the worst hackshields to the date. They used to use a better one wen wizet ran things but nexon officially killed the game.

So wtf does it say it on th site for damn. Why do companies have to be so misleading just to get us to buy stuf =[

Uhm you are violating the rules of the forum by provoking an argument. We are mature people hee on this site. At least some of us if not most of us are. Even though we may be young in age per say we are still mature.

Quote from "Kenelm" »

I said D3 overture sounds like warcraft, not D2 LoD. D2 LoD music is just awesome.

I am sorry i misunderstood.

Thought I'd show you all the next Diablo III creature sculpt I did:

I'll take some better pics soon, this pic looks more squished than it actually is.

So here are some of the signatures I've made for a couple of years when I had the time.




I had to modify the original picture for this one to simulate or copy the guy's in game charater.













No I don't like WOW but it was for a buddy of mine who did like it... I think it was a banner but I can't remember for what exactly


Modified the original image here and added the smoke effect for the gun



















this one wasn't quite finished

This is about it, at least all that I could find but there are five times this ... lol. + web templates and designs. Missing a lot of my drawings Anyway enjoy

Lets hope if they do allow it that they will let people download the demo!!!!! Cant wait to watch blizzcon over direct tv!!!!!!!!!!!!!! skipping school ftw

Quote from "SpanishBard" »

Well I'm just glad you put that much effort into your first response without being asked or criticized. Oh wait.....

Hey you made up for your mistake. Congratulations. This can be dropped now. So for future reference, just spend a little more time on what the requester needs. Not what you prefer. Ok? Lesson learned, case closed.

Yes this can be dropped...but I am not gonna be the only one to walk away with a lesson....I think you should chill when it comes to your responses and I am saying this not to start more arguing but I have taken my verbal bombardment from you, and now it is your turn. Don't disrespect someone with good intentions....you doing so was just as reckless as me being vague in my response. I never once took a personal shot at you, simply because I don't know you..and even if you do not like the place that I work that is your opinion..and so be it..but don't vilify me for working there. I don't believe in judging somebodies character unless you really know them. you saying you know me and what type of person I am by the way I post to one thread..is like me saying I know how you are..and then boom fire off with the stereotypes...hmm his name is spanish bard he is from spain I bet...hmm probably likes bull fights...hmm....he is quick to jump the gun with his accusations..hmm must have a short temper..probably is the type of guy who punches a whole through a wall for his anger issues...hmm his self esteem must be low so he makes up for it by putting others down. see that wouldn't have been cool would it? In any case this discussion is over with...THE END :thumbsup:

This is the chronological order of all the Diablo novels.

What is important to note is that they do not have to be read in this order. The only books that depend on previous books are the Sin War trilogy (which should be read in order) and the Kingdom of Shadow and Moon of the Spider, of which KoS should be read first and MotS should be read second. All other books can be read in any order without having any detriemental effect on the plot or story or spoiling anything.

1. The Sin War: Birthright
2. The Sin War: Scales of the Serpent
3. The Sin War: The Veiled Prophet
4. Demonsbane
5. The Black Road / Diablo I
6. Legacy of Blood / Diablo II
7. The Kingdom of Shadow / Diablo II
8. Moon of the Spider

The Sin War happens 3000 years before the darkening of Tristram (Diablo I). Each book is in direct relation to each other.

Demonsbane happens 600 years before the Horadrim capture the Prime Evils and therefore before the Dark Exile. (The Horadrim capture the Prime Evils a long time before the darkening of Tristram in Diablo I).

The Black Road story expands over a year. Kabraxis is unleashed at some point at the beginning of the book, and over a year later (at the end of the book) is defeated. Towards the end of that year's gap it is stated that Tristram was recently destroyed by Diablo. It is also stated by Deckard Cain that Tristram was corrupted for nearly four years. So Tristram fell before Kabraxis was released, but the actual Diablo I game where Tristram is 'saved' happens in the middle of this novel, before Kabraxis is defeated.

Legacy of Blood is parallel with or slightly before Diablo II and involves the , ends with Diablo (the Wanderer) entering AranochArcane Sanctuary. Which means it happens just before the Diablo II hero enters Lut Gholein or while the hero is still at the Rogue Encampment, depending on the time gap following the Wanderer.

The Kingdom of Shadow happens before the Moon of the Spider but no mention of the Worldstone, so it is assumed that this book also takes place before it is destroyed (whereas MotS specifically mentions the destruction of the Worldstone). Zayl traveled from Ureh to Westmarch and would have likely to have had to pass through the Rogue Monastary (apparently the only path to Westmarch if traveling through the twin seas, which Zayl likely would have done). With Andariel and many other demons out and about during DII, and no mention of a hazardous journey to Westmarch, it is unlikely that he was traveling during the events of Diablo II, but was actually in Ureh at the time. Its more likely that Zayl left Ureh to travel to Westmarch after Diablo II, which means that The Kingdom of Shadow must have happened parallel to Diablo II and the destruction of the Worldstone.

Moon of the Spider takes place after the Worldstone is destroyed in Diablo II. It also talks about Zayl's past in the city of Ureh, placing this book as a direct sequel to The Kingdom of Shadow (no time gap is given, however).

If the thread is to dark just change the forum skin, Goto USER CP then to EDIT OPTIONS, Scroll down to the bottom and change the forum skin to SPEEDVISION, hope that helps.

I'll be updating this thread quite a bit, the newest articles will be added to the top, that way it's easier to navigate and find the latest Diablo III news.

Sorry for the lack of updates but RL has been a bit busy lately.

Sports Legends: Diablo III Preview & Interview(added 28/12/2008)
1UP: Diablo 3 Interview (added 28/12/2008)
X-Play All Access Preview: Diablo III(added 28/12/2008)

GamesRadar: Diablo III Hands-On (added 20/12/2008)
PlayTM Interview: Jay Wilson talks Diablo 3 (added 20/12/2008)
10 things you DON'T want to see in Diablo III (added 20/12/2008)
Diablo 3 Dev Team Does Not Have all Classes and Act 1 Done (added 20/12/2008)
Bashiok Wanting : Diablo III Item Affixes & Modifier Brainstorm (added 20/12/2008)
Diablo 3 Website: Tyrael is Turning Evil ? (added 20/12/2008)
Diablo III - New screenshots (added 20/12/2008)
Bashiok: Checkpoints key to Diablo 3 Deathsystem (added 20/12/2008)
Diablo Movie Rumour (added 20/12/2008)
On the Drawing Board #7: The Barbarian’s Fury (added 20/12/2008)

The Unofficial Diablo III F.A.Q (added 24/11/2008)
New Diablo 3 Screens and Artwork (added 24/11/2008)
Diablo 3 Q&A in the latest BlizzCast 6 (added 24/11/2008)
Diablo 3 Will Have Several Expansions (added 24/11/2008)
Blizzard: StarCraft 2 NOT shelved in favour of Diablo 3 (added 24/11/2008)
Blizzard Music CD is Out (added 24/11/2008)
Talisman: possible key for stats customization? (added 24/11/2008)
Tom's Games: Diablo III Hands-On (added 24/11/2008)
Diablo III Barbarian & Wizard Interactive Talent Preview (added 02/11/2008)
The Best of Blizzard: Echoes of War Arrange Album Tracklist and Interview (added 02/11/2008)
GI.Biz Interview: Blizzard's Frank Pearce (added 02/11/2008)
Diablo 3 Hands-on Gameplay Report (added 02/11/2008)
BlizzCon 08: New Battle.Net Will Have Fees (added 17/10/2008)
Wired.com Hands On: Diablo III Simplifies Everything (added 17/10/2008)
D3 Lore Panel, "Necromancers Will Return in Diablo 3" (added 17/10/2008)
BlizzCon 08: New Diablo III Tunes, New Co-Composer Announced (added 17/10/2008)
BlizzCon 08: Closing Ceremonies Feature Comedy, Rock ‘n’ Roll, and Video Games Live (added 17/10/2008)
Blizzcon: Diablo 3 and Starcraft 2 without Direct X 10 (added 17/10/2008)
In Crafting ‘Diablo 3′ Class, Blizzard Risking Harry Potter Comparisons Instead Of ‘World of Warcraft’ Ones (added 17/10/2008)
BlizzCon 2008: In-depth Diablo 3 hands-on - VIDEO - (added 17/10/2008)
GamePro: Diablo III Preview (added 17/10/2008)
Diablo 3 Itemization and Stat Changes (added 17/10/2008)
GameTrailers: Five Diablo Panel Videos From BlizzCon 2008 - VIDEO - (added 17/10/2008)
UGO Blizzcon '08-Diablo III Hands-On (added 17/10/2008)
Bashiok on Lack of Attribute Spending (added 17/10/2008)
1UP: Diablo 3 Preview (added 17/10/2008)
Q&A: Blizzard's Executive Vice President of Game Design Rob Pardo (added 17/10/2008)
GI.Biz Interview: Blizzard Wizard (added 17/10/2008)
Eurogamer: Diablo III Hands-On (added 17/10/2008)
RPGamer: Diablo 3 Impressions (added 17/10/2008)
GameSpot: Diablo III Video Interview 5 - VIDEO - (added 17/10/2008)
GRTV: Diablo III Update W/ Gameplay - VIDEO - (added 17/10/2008)
Ten Ton Hammer: Diablo III Hands-On (added 17/10/2008)

Blizzard not allowing mods in Diablo 3, may make DLC available (added 13/10/2008)
Jay Wilson "You will love the next D3 character" (added 13/10/2008)
Live from Blizzcon! Rob Pardo Talks Diablo III! (added 13/10/2008)
2008 BlizzCon - Saturday Morning Gallery (added 13/10/2008)
Diii.net Ray Gresko and Leonard Boyarsky Video Interview (added 13/10/2008)
IGN Blizzcon 08: Rob Pardo on Diablo III (added 13/10/2008)
IGN BlizzCon 2008: Diablo III Hands-On (added 13/10/2008)
GotGame: At BlizzCon Hands on With the Diablo III Witch Doctor Class(added 13/10/2008)
Hands On With Diablo III: Everything Old Is New Again (added 13/10/2008)
Gamespy:Hands-on with Diablo III's Witch Doctor(added 13/10/2008)
Warcry:Blizzcon 08: Diablo III Hands-On(added 13/10/2008)
Gamespot BlizzCon 2008: Diablo III Updated Hands-On (added 13/10/2008)
2008 BlizzCon - Diablo III Gameplay Impressions (added 13/10/2008)
The escapist Blizzcon 08: Hands On - Diablo III (added 13/10/2008)
Class Design panel at Blizzcon - VIDEO - (added 11/10/2008)
Diablo III Wizard Screenshots, Skill Movies & Trailer (added 11/10/2008)
Diablo 3: The Wizard's Talent Trees Unveiled (added 11/10/2008)
Diablo III Gameplay Q&A with Jay Wilson (added 11/10/2008)
Diablo III - Wizard and Barbarian Gameplay (added 11/10/2008)
Diablo 3 Gameplay Panel (added 11/10/2008)
Diablo 3 Screenshots Reveal the Scavenger (added 04/10/2008)
Rumoured Battle.net 2.0 Additions (added 04/10/2008)
AusGamers: Diablo 3 Jay Wilson Interview (added 26/09/2008)
No Guns, No Spellbooks, No DX10 (added 26/09/2008)
New Death Mechanic and Town Portal (added 26/09/2008)
CheatCC Diablo III Preview: (added 26/09/2008)
New Diablo 3 Screenshots (added 23/09/2008)
Diablo 3 Havok Physics (added 22/09/2008)
VideoGamer: Diablo 3 Interview (added 16/09/2008)
Next Diablo 3 class will make players hate Blizzard (added 16/09/2008)
Diablo 3 dev: 'Game previews only risk developer egos' (added 16/09/2008)
Top 10 Monsters You'd Hate To See In Diablo III (added 16/09/2008)
The Voice Of Deckard Cain, Private Carmine Talks About Roles In ‘Diablo III,’ (added 16/09/2008)
The End of the Art Controversy? (added 16/09/2008)
Diablo III will have “its own unique needs” for the new Battle.Net (added 16/09/2008)
INCGAMERS: Diablo III Interview (added 16/09/2008)
Top Twenty Spoken Phrases from the Diablo universe (added 16/09/2008)
Diablo III - New screenshots (added 06/09/2008)
GameBanshee: Diablo III Interview (added 06/09/2008)
Ten Ton Hammer: Exclusive Diablo III Interview (added 06/09/2008)
Top 10 Monster Comebacks in Diablo III (added 06/09/2008)
Diablo 3 Overture Now Available on iTunes (added 06/09/2008)
Diablo 3 Video Interview with Lead Designer Jay Wilson (added 06/09/2008)
Hellforge: Blizzard Reveals Diablo 3 Death Penalties, Trade, Mercenaries (added 29/08/2008)
Hellforge: Jay Wilson Talks Health Orbs and Tactical Combat in Diablo 3 (added 29/08/2008)
Boom Town GC08: Diablo III interview (added 29/08/2008)
Gamedaily: Diablo 3 Preview (added 29/08/2008)
BlizzCast 5 Podcast Features Diablo III Q&A (added 29/08/2008)
Eurogamer Interview: Diablo III(added 24/08/2008)
Barbarian will be the only returning class in Diablo 3 (added 24/08/2008)
GC 2008: Diablo III Progress Report (added 21/08/2008)
Blizzard's Jay Wilson Talks Diablo III (added 21/08/2008)
New Diablo 3 Screens Released (added 21/08/2008)
Q&A: Diablo 3 (III) - So what's new?(added 21/08/2008)
Diablo 3 Developer Explains Health and Potion Changes (added 21/08/2008)
‘Diablo III’ Designer Describes How Game Will Appeal To ‘Diablo’ Fans And Broad Audience (added 21/08/2008)
New Diablo III Screenshots (added 21/08/2008)
Designer: ‘Diablo III’ Rounds Out Trilogy, But Not The End Of ‘Diablo’ (added 13/08/2008)
Whats Wrong With Diablo 3’s Graphics? (added 13/08/2008)
The Diablo III Art Controversy (added 13/08/2008)
Do we need Diablo 3? (added 12/08/2008)
Blizzard Confirms Departure of ‘Diablo III’ Art Director, Look Of Game Won’t Change (added 09/08/2008)
Diablo III’s Art Director Leaves: Drama Ensues (added 09/08/2008)
Blizzard Looking for New Diablo III Art Director (added 09/08/2008)
Diablo 3 lead: Necromancer, other classes could return (added 09/08/2008)
Blizzard On Diablo III Achievements (added 07/08/2008)
‘Diablo III’ Designer Discusses Possible Return Of Cow Level (added 07/08/2008)
‘Diablo III’ Designer Explains Why Necromancer Was Cut, Hints At Return (added 06/08/2008)
Diablo III Development Update (added 06/08/2008)
Battle.net 2.0 - The Next Generation Gaming Network (added 06/08/2008)
Diablo III Gets the Statue Treatment(added 06/08/2008)
Gamesradar: Diablo III Preview + Q&A (added 03/08/2008)
‘Diablo III’ Color Controversy Update: Game Used To Be Darker, Dev Says ‘There’s No Going Back Now’ (added 01/08/2008)
Blizzard Plans To Track Gamer Achievements Across ‘WoW,’ ‘Starcraft’ And ‘Diablo’ (added 01/08/2008)
BlizzCon 2008 Tickets on Sale August 11 (added 30/07/2008)
Blizzard Releases New Diablo III Screenshots (added 28/07/2008)
San Diego Comic Con - Diablo 3 Overthrown Diorama (added 28/07/2008)
Battle.net 2.0 Rumors (added 28/07/2008)
Diablo III Interview - On the importance of lore and compelling character classes. (added 25/07/2008)
Bashiok on Everything (added 24/07/2008)
PC Powerplay Blizzard Exclusives Edition (added 24/07/2008)
CVG Preview of Diablo III (added 24/07/2008)
Diablo III To Appear on PC Gamer October Cover (added 23/07/2008)
Diablo III and Hellgate: London - Same Genealogy? (added 22/07/2008)
Games to play while waiting for Diablo III (added 13/07/2008)
Another D2er on Diablo 3 (added 12/07/2008)
More from Bashiok (added 12/07/2008)
Diablo III Petitioners Have a Point, But Who’s Listening? (added 11/07/2008)
IGN AU: The Ten Commandments of Diablo III (added 11/07/2008)
Six Demons We'd Love to Face in Diablo III (added 10/07/2008)
Diablo III: has the world gone mad? (added 10/07/2008)
Forget the Diablo II fanboys — we need this game! (added 9/07/2008)
Blizzard Discusses Controversial Diablo III Aspects (added 9/07/2008)
Diablo Archive On Sale Today (added 9/07/2008)
Blizzard: We Speak To Console Makers ‘All The Time’ (added 9/07/2008)
The Diablo 2 Team Comments on Diablo 3 (added 8/07/2008)
Blizzard On ‘Diablo’ MMO Hopes, New Franchises And More (added 8/07/2008)
Diablo Retrospective (added 7/07/2008)
Games Universe: Diablo 3 preview (added 6/07/2008)
The Internet Hates Diablo III (added 5/07/2008)
Diablo 3: The Wait (added 5/07/2008)
Eurogamer Preview: Diablo III (added 5/07/2008)
Diablo III Graphics Creates Aura of Defiance (added 4/07/2008)
Blizzard Comments On Classes In Diablo 3 (added 4/07/2008)
An Open Letter to ‘Diablo III’ Fanboys (added 4/07/2008)
How To Make A Proper Sequel: Evolving The Story (added 4/07/2008)
ActionTrip: Diablo III First Look (added 4/07/2008)
Ex-PC Gamer editor starts pro-Diablo III petition in response to fans' complaints (added 3/07/2008)
Top 10: Diablo 3 questions Blizzard needs to answer (added 3/07/2008)
Watch ‘Diablo III’ Producer Discuss The New Game (added 3/07/2008)
Diablo 3: Player Killing is out, PvP is in (added 3/07/2008)
Diablo III Producer - "Color Is Your Friend" (added 2/07/2008)
1UP: Diablo III Rob Pardo Interview (added 2/07/2008)
Fallout man asks Blizzard for forgiveness (added 2/07/2008)
EuroGamer: Blizzard's Mike Morhaime Interview (added 2/07/2008)
Archangel Tyrael is the WWI In-Game Mini Pet! (added 2/07/2008)
Gamezine: First Look: Diablo III (added 2/07/2008)
"Immense pressure" for console Diablo III won't turn to force from Activision(added 2/07/2008)
1UP Interviews Diablo III Designer Leonard Boyarsky (added 2/07/2008)
Gamepro Preview: Diablo III is on its way (added 2/07/2008)
X-Play: Diablo III Preview - VIDEO - (added 2/07/2008)
Denizens of Diablo WWI Panel - VIDEO - (added 2/07/2008)
‘Diablo III’ Producer Plays Down ‘Too Human’ Comparisons (added 1/07/2008)
Diablo 3 Items and Invetory (added 1/07/2008)
Diablo 3 UI Explained - GWeizman(added 1/07/2008)
Diablo II Top Selling PC Game on Amazon (added 1/07/2008)
X-Play All Access: Blizzard Worldwide Invitational - VIDEO - (added 1/07/2008)
Blizzard's Paul Sams Interview (added 1/07/2008)
GameSpy: Diablo III: Deep in Hell with Leonard Boyarsky (added 1/07/2008)
Fallout 3 Producer Disappointed in Diablo 3 (added 1/07/2008)
Bethesda Softworks Can Suck It (added 1/07/2008)
Blizzard snubs Nvidia with Diablo 3 (added 30/06/2008)
Six reasons Diablo III gives us a geek-gasm (added 30/06/2008)
The Man Behind Diablo III Talks Plot, Lore and Battle.Net (added 30/06/2008)
Blizzard not worried about losing WOW fans to Diablo III (added 30/06/2008 )
Class and Skill Creation in Diablo III (added 29/06/2008 )
Diablo III's Art and Narrative Design (added 29/06/2008 )
Joystiq chats with Jay Wilson on Diablo 3 (added 29/06/2008 )
GameSpy Preview: Diablo III (added 29/06/2008 )
Diablo 3: First Audio Impressions (added 29/06/2008 )
GameSpot: Diablo III Video Interview (added 29/06/2008 )
GameSpot: Diablo III First Look (added 29/06/2008 )

Interview: Blizzard's Rob Pardo on Diablo III
Deckard Cain's journal (narrated by the man himself).
VE3D Video for Diablo III (PC) - Jessica Chobot Reports


Diablo III Twenty-Minute HD Gameplay Movie
Diablo III HD Artwork Trailer
Diablo III Cinematic HD Trailer
Diablo III First Gameplay Video
Diablo Lore and Chronology of Events

Diablo III Official Announcement:

Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. today revealed Diablo III, the newest entry in its critically acclaimed action role-playing-game franchise. The announcement was made during the 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational at the Porte de Versailles Convention Centre in Paris, France. A cinematic trailer and an extended gameplay demonstration with commentary from the development team introduced the game to the thousands of players in attendance.

"We've wanted to expand on the epic story and gameplay elements of the Diablo universe for some time now," stated Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. "We know that players have also been long awaiting a return to the series, so we're very excited to be sharing this announcement with Blizzard gamers here in Paris and around the world today."

Diablo III will pick up the story twenty years after the events of Diablo II. Mephisto, Diablo, and Baal have been defeated, but the Worldstone, which once shielded the inhabitants of the world of Sanctuary from the forces of both the High Heavens and the Burning Hells, has been destroyed, and evil once again stirs in Tristram. Playing as a hero from one of five distinct character classes, players will acquire powerful items, spells, and abilities as they explore new and familiar areas of Sanctuary and battle hordes of demons to safeguard the world from the horrors that have arisen. The first two characters classes -- the barbarian and the witch doctor -- were shown as part of the announcement at the event today in Paris. Diablo III will feature a custom 3D-graphics engine to render lush indoor and outdoor areas of Sanctuary with a high level of detail and vivid special effects. The game's physics-enhanced environments will be interactive and destructible, offering traps and obstacles that create added danger for players and monsters alike. These elements, along with a new quest system and random scripted events, will be integrated into the game's random-level generator, giving Diablo III the ultimate combination of dynamic gameplay and replayability. Cooperative and competitive play will be available online through an upgraded version of Blizzard Entertainment's renowned online gaming service, Battle.net.

Source

Diablo III FAQ:

What is Diablo III?
We’re developing Diablo III to be the definitive action role-playing game, and a true continuation of the Diablo series. Players will create a hero from one of five distinct classes, such as barbarian or witch doctor, each equipped with an array of spells and abilities. As these heroes adventure through rich and varied settings, unraveling an epic storyline and engaging in combat with hordes of monsters and challenging bosses, they’ll grow in experience and ability and acquire items of incredible power.

The game takes place on Sanctuary, a world of dark fantasy. Unbeknownst to most of its inhabitants, Sanctuary was saved some twenty years ago from the demonic forces of the underworld by a few brave and powerful heroes. Most of those warriors who directly faced the armies of the Burning Hells -- and were fortunate enough to survive -- went mad from their experiences. And most of the others have buried their haunted memories and pushed the horrors from their thoughts. In Diablo III, players will return to Sanctuary to confront evil in its many forms once again.
Diablo III will be a fitting sequel to Diablo II, with the easy interface, fast-paced action, and visceral gameplay that Diablo players have come to expect and enjoy. It will also include many new features that will take the Diablo action-RPG experience to the next level. We look forward to going into much more detail on our plans for Diablo III as development on the game progresses.

What’s new about Diablo III compared to the previous Diablo games?
Exciting new classes like the witch doctor bring new gameplay options to the table. Returning classes, like the barbarian, have been completely redone with new skills to give them a feel unique to Diablo III. New customization options will provide for an even greater level of character specialization than the previous Diablo games, allowing the player to create unique characters brimming with power.
Diablo III is powered by a new graphics engine that can display characters and hordes of monsters in lush, fully 3D environments. Powerful special-effects systems and Havok-powered physics allow the player to lay waste to the Hells' minions in spectacular ways.
Also, Diablo III builds on the random environments of the previous Diablo games by introducing a host of new ways to create random scripted events throughout the game. This creates a dense and exciting world alive with quests, NPCs, dynamic encounters, and viciously challenging new monsters and bosses. Diablo III's environments add a great deal of interactivity to the game, including destructible elements and environmental obstacles that can be turned against your enemies.
In addition, Diablo III will benefit from Battle.net upgrades that will provide some exciting new features for players. Cooperative online play remains a primary focus, with multiple enhancements being planned to make connecting with your friends easier and cooperative gameplay even more fun. We'll have more details on all these aspects as well as other exciting new features at a later date.

Can you give an overview of Diablo III's storyline?
It has been twenty years since the events of Diablo II. Of those who faced the Lords of Hatred, Terror, and Destruction in the battle over the fate of Sanctuary, there are few still living who can bear to remember the horrors that the Prime Evils wrought upon the world. And of those who did not witness the terrible events firsthand, most believe the stories to be little more than myth. But something evil is stirring once again in Tristram, and it may already have claimed its first victim: Deckard Cain.

Will there be any other familiar faces in Diablo III (other than Deckard Cain)?
Yes. Players will encounter several new characters as well as a number of characters from the previous games.

Will players be visiting any familiar locations in Diablo III, such as Tristram?
Yes, definitely. Players will return to Tristram and certain other locations from the previous games, and they'll be exploring new areas of Sanctuary as well.

How many character classes are included in Diablo III? What are they?
Five character classes will be included in the game, two of which, the barbarian and witch doctor, were revealed when the game was announced at the 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational. The other classes will be announced at a later date.

Will players be able to choose the gender of their character, regardless of class?
Yes. Players will be able to create male and female characters for all five classes.

Will Diablo III be playable over Battle.net? What new features can we expect?
Yes, Diablo III will be playable over Battle.net, and Battle.net will offer some exciting new features to enhance players' Diablo III experience. We'll announce specifics and go into much more detail at a later date.

Will there be a single-player component in addition to multiplayer?
Yes. In addition to battling the hordes of the Burning Hells cooperatively with friends over Battle.net, players will be able to adventure through the world of Diablo III solo. More details on both the single-player and multiplayer experience will be revealed at a later date.

What will questing be like in Diablo III? Will it be similar to Diablo II?
Our plans for the story and quest mechanics are still under wraps. We'll go into detail on those elements of the game at a later date. We can say, however, that we expect to have class-based quests in addition to the main story-line quests.

TECHNICAL ASPECTS
What engine is Diablo III running on? What graphical enhancements are included?
Diablo III runs on a custom 3D game engine for rendering full-3D characters and environments. The 3D game engine not only simulates advanced animation sequences and sound effects, but also uses a custom physics engine that allows for realistic object dynamics and cloth simulation.

What are the system requirements for Diablo III?
We'll announce specific system requirements at a later date.

RELEASE PLANS
When will Diablo III be released?
It's too early to estimate Diablo III's release date. As with all Blizzard Entertainment games, our goal is to create a game that is as fun, balanced, and polished as possible. We intend to take as much time developing Diablo III as is necessary to ensure the game meets our own high expectations and those of our players.

Will the game be released in multiple countries? Will the release be simultaneous? Which countries and what languages will Diablo III be localized in?
As with all of our games, our goal with Diablo III is to release the game simultaneously in as many regions as possible, and to localize the game in several languages. We'll have more details to share about countries, languages, and specific dates as we get closer to release.

Will Diablo III be available on Windows and Mac simultaneously?
Yes. As with all of Blizzard Entertainment's recent releases, Diablo III will ship for both Windows and Mac simultaneously.

How much will Diablo III cost? Where can I buy this game? Pricing and availability for Diablo III will be determined and announced closer to the release of the game.

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Diablo III Tidbits:

Bits and pieces from the post-announcement press conference:

• No release date as of yet.
• Development in its "early stages" despite being underway for over four years.
• Brand new in-house engine developed for Diablo III. Includes Havoc physics.
• Co-op is fully integrated into the game's design.
• Will also be released on Mac.
• Similar in length to Diablo II.
• Takes place twenty years after Diablo II expansion pack.
• Only fifty people working on the game at the moment. Content creation the current focus.
• New Battle.net will debut with StarCraft II. Even more features by the time Diablo III launches.
• No console release of Diablo III planned. Other Blizzard title staying on PC and Mac also.
• Pay to play? Totally undecided, though it could vary between regions. For example, China may because of the popularity of internet cafes and the strict gaming laws that are meant to prevent people becoming addicted.
• Could be up to 100 enemies on-screen at a time.
• The ice splash page malarkey was Diablo all along, ditto on the eyes. I am vindicated. The penguin remains a mystery, however.
• Hellgate: London-esque randomness is in, to an extent. Some maps and what have yous will be static.
• Low-spec [computer] losers are being catered to.
• World of Warcraft and The Legend of Zelda heavily influenced boss design and boss gameplay mechanics.
• E-Sports support is a possibility. Team is attempting to form a business plan that works for that crowd.
• No character customisation, just gender selection.
• PvP will likely be included at release.
• Voice communication will be improved.
• Beta is a possibility.
• "Potions are still in the game, they're just not as core an element. So there's a new health system here. Wilson says he actually tried a Halo-style shield system with regenerative health, but didn't put that in because it encouraged players to leave combat. Didn't want to implement a WoW-style health which encourages players to drink and creates downtime when out of combat. Wilson wants the health system to ensure combat, which is health globes were implemented."
• One health pot restores all players in co-op.
• Enemies can miss and get weapons stuck in scenery or world.
• Player characters will be fully voice acted.
• Four-to-five person co-op groups.

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Diablo III Barbarian Profile & Gameplay Movie:

Diablo III's tank profiled:

In my journey to catalogue the various denizens, civilizations, and fauna of our world, I have traveled far and wide, but never before have I been struck with such dismay as when standing upon the ramparts of the ancient fortress of Bastion's Keep. I came to see firsthand the barbarians, those near-legendary, immense, relentless, dual-wielding furies of combat dwelling upon their sacred Mount Arreat.
Instead, I stand here looking at a mountain that has been torn asunder by some extraordinary force. The sight, I must confess, is incomprehensible. Yet what I see before me cannot be denied.
What truly happened here? Where are those majestic warriors of old?
Though they were once misunderstood as simple, bloodthirsty invaders, the long and noble history of these proud people is now rightly acknowledged. And therein lies the greater tragedy here, for those of us familiar with the nobility of the barbarians remember too what they call their "vigil", the concept that lay at the very heart of their culture. The barbarians consider it their sworn duty to protect Mount Arreat and the mysterious object within. They believe that if they fail to uphold their duty to the great mount, or are not given a proper burial upon its slopes, they will be denied a true warrior's death, and their spirits shall roam the land without honor for all eternity. If there are any barbarians left alive, they must truly be without hope. Perhaps this is the genesis of the rumors of monstrous things reported to resemble the barbarians in size and ferocity, but that are in reality nothing more than unreasoning, inhuman beasts. Could the destruction of not only their home but also their very beliefs have actually brought this magnificent race so low?

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Diablo III Witch Doctor Profile & Gameplay Movie:

Most believe the fearsome witch doctor of the umbaru race a legend, but I have seen one in battle with my own eyes. And it was difficult to believe, even then. He dispatched his opponent with terrifying precision, assaulting his victim's mind and body with elixirs and powders that evoked fires, explosions, and poisonous spirits. As if these assaults were not enough, the witch doctor also had at his command the ability to summon undead creatures from the netherworld to rend the flesh from his enemy's body.
I came upon this rare display as I ventured deep into the interior of the dense Torajan jungles that cover the southern tip of the great eastern continent, in the vast area known as the Teganze, with the goal of seeking out the tribes that reside there. This area is extremely secluded, and heretofore unseen by foreign eyes. I was fortunate to befriend the witch doctor I saw in battle, and, through him, his tribe: the Tribe of the Five Hills.
The culture of the umbaru of the lower Teganze is fascinating and perplexing to those hailing from more civilized walks of life. For instance, the Tribe of the Five Hills frequently engages in tribal warfare with both the Clan of the Seven Stones and the Tribe of the Clouded Valley, but these are matters of ritual and not of conquest. I had heard tales that these wars are waged in order that the victors may replenish their supply of raw materials for the human sacrifices that their civilization revolves around, and when I timidly asked my hosts more about this topic, I must admit their laughter made me fear for my safety. However, through stumbled attempts at communication of such complex topics as what constitutes heroism and honor in their society, I gathered that only those taken in battle are considered worthy of the ritual sacrifice, much to my relief.
Upon further discussions with my hosts, I discovered that these tribes define themselves by their belief in the Mbwiru Eikura, which roughly translates to "The Unformed Land" (this is an imprecise translation, as this concept is completely foreign to our culture and language). This belief holds that the true, sacred reality is veiled behind the physical one we normally experience. Their vitally important public ceremonies are centered upon sacrifices to the life force that flows from their gods, who inhabit the Unformed Land, into this lesser physical realm.
The witch doctors are finely attuned to this Unformed Land and are able to train their minds to perceive this reality through a combination of rituals and the use of selected roots and herbs found in the jungles. They call the state in which they interact with this other world the Ghost Trance.
Alongside the primacy of the belief in the life force and the Unformed Land, the second most sacred belief of the tribes is their philosophy of self-sacrifice and non-individuality, of suppressing one's self-interest for the good of the tribe. This idea, so foreign to our culture, struck me as something I wished to delve into much more deeply. Unfortunately, there was intense social upheaval among the tribes due to an incident involving their most current war (inasmuch as I could discern in the ensuing bedlam), and the charged atmosphere warranted my quick departure before I could ask anything further of my hosts.

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Diablo III Story Revealed:

Diablo III takes place twenty years after the Lord of Destruction Diablo II expansion pack:

Two decades have passed since the demonic denizens, Diablo, Mephisto, and Baal, wandered the world of Sanctuary in a vicious rampage to shackle humanity into unholy slavery. Yet for those who battled the Prime Evils directly, the memory fades slowly and the wounds of the soul still burn. When Deckard Cain returns to the ruins of Tristram's Cathedral seeking clues to new stirrings of evil, a comet from the heavens strikes the very ground where Diablo once entered the world. The comet carries a dark omen in its fiery being and it calls the heroes of Sanctuary to defend the mortal world against the rising powers of the Burning Hells – and even the failing luminaries of the High Heavens itself.

A list of game features has also been made available:

• Explore a fully-realized Sanctuary – the living, breathing gothic fantasy world of Diablo III rendered in gorgeous 3D.
• Battle the unholy forces of the Burning Hells with all-new character classes like the otherworldly Witch Doctor, or with re-imagined warriors from Diablo’s past: such as the fierce Barbarian.
• Rain Hell on your enemies wielding the interactive environment as a weapon: lay cunning traps, turn destructible objects against your foes, and use environmental obstacles to your advantage - all powered by the Havoc physics system.
• Experience the intensity of multiplayer Diablo III over an all-new, wickedly-enhanced Battle.net platform with numerous enhancements to make connecting with your friends easier – and cooperative gameplay more fun.

Other story tidbits can be discovered by watching the super sexy cinematic trailer.

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