I am hopeful to play Diablo IV, when it is ready. In the meantime, if my NVIDIA Shield tablet is optimized to be able to play Diablo Immortal, I'll hook it to my HDMI display to play it.
However, I am very concerned about the term MMOARPG.
The gameplay videos I have seen from Bahjeera/Jen, Pamela Horton, and Kraxell show an exact copy of how Diablo III's environment and maps look like.
I don't think it should be called a MMOARPG, or if the intention is to make one (which I am sure is the intent) make it a true MMOARPG.
I need to explain my point of view here.
This is a game outside Diablo III, which should feel like a Diablo game. However, being an MMO, it should be a true open world of Sanctuary. A fixed outdoor world that resembles something akin to Zuldazar or Stormsong Valley -- but from the point-of-view of the camera on the sky looking down (like we know from Diablo II and Diablo III).
I put together the Bilefen map in Adobe Photoshop by knitting together the mini-map pieces shown in the gameplay video (Kraxell's). This does not look like a MMO open world environment to me. This looks like a copy of Diablo II and Diablo III's environment with narrow paths that zig zag from point A to point B.
I submitted a tweet to @Diablo to let them know my concern. If I am going to travel from Westmarch to Bramwell, I want to explore full zones as I make my way there.
For example, if you are in Stormwind and wish to travel to Loch Modan on foot, you travel through Elwynn Forest, then Redridge Mountains. Head north toward Burning Steppes. Cross through Blackrock Mountain, then Searing Gorge, Badlands, then Loch Modan. Immense landscapes. A true open world.
Of course, it doesn't have to be first-person view. It would be the same, but the camera on the sky looking down in an angle (like in any Diablo game). But still a true open world.
Bilefen as shown in the map below.... as I candidly tweeted to the @Diablo team, looks like a narrow spagetti string, trying to mimic Diablo III's environment. It is in no way a vast open world.
Wonderful post, you're 100% right I think but the bottom line is, they're not even ready to announce the D4 project so it'll probably be like 4 or 5 years before we can play it. /sigh
I'm not so sure about 4-5 years from now. I wish to be more optimistic and think of 1-2 years away. I have posted about job openings for many years. There has been a lot of activity the past few years long before StarCraft: Remastered.
Diablo III was in development from 2001 - 2012. However, don't let that discourage you about Diablo IV's development timeline. A lot of things happened to force Diablo III development to last that long.
On June 30, 2003 -- several Blizzard North employees quit and formed Flagship Studios.
By 2004, more Blizzard North developers quit en mass. At least 30 employees. Some joined Castaway Entertainment.
By 2008, there was the Vivendi Games --> to Activision Blizzard transition and restructuring. I assume there was a bit of a shake up that delayed things.
The Diablo III that Blizzard North started was scrapped. Blizzard restarted it from scratch. Technology also grew from 2004-forward, so I assume some changes had to be made to benefit from new tools.
Diablo Immortal is a brand-new mobile game that started probably in 2016. Allen Adham was presented as returning to Blizzard at BlizzCon 2016 where he said:
Allen: So my name is Allen Adham, as Sean mentioned. I am recently returned. I have the best job at Blizzard. I am the senior VP and executive producer in charge of incubation and new products.
Nowadays we know that Diablo Immortal was one of the incubation unannounced games. So that was two years ago. Diablo Immortal beta testing is in 2019. That sounds like a very short development cycle.
In 2017, I posted news about a job opening for a Unannounced Project that was not part of the Incubation team. To my knowledge, we still do not know what that game is about.
FX Artist, Unannounced Game
We pride ourselves in forging amazing worlds and experiences for our players to dive into here at Blizzard. To accomplish these epic goals, we need smart, passionate, and creative people with kickass talents. We are looking for an exceptionally skilled Senior FX artist to join our team on an unannounced project. The ideal candidate has extensive experience working with 3D packages and real-time FX systems, and will help drive and develop the project’s art style. You’ll need to create a wide range of VFX, including explosions and ability, weapon, weather, and energy effects. A strong understanding of the communication between action and visual impact is required. You will be expected to have a highly developed technical skillset to assist in expanding the VFX tools pipeline.
We value a tightknit team that celebrates artistic passion and pushing the creative bounds. If you have the desire to push your talents to help us create the next awesome Blizzard experience, then join us!
This was under the "Unannounced Project" category at the same time there was a separate "Incubation" category (Which means it is not a mobile game), and at the same time there was a "Classic Games" category (which means it is not a Remastered game either).
Overwatch, Hearthstone, and Heroes of the Storm already existed in September 2017 when that "Unannounced Project" category was posted. So... let's take a wild guess. =)
The image below, I took the screenshot on Sept 2017.
Today: November 20, 2018 -- this is the Unannounced Game category sporting 68 new job openings.
My personal guess is that Diablo IV (or whatever name it evolves into) will be an MMO similar to Diablo Immortal, but for the PC/Consoles, where new major content patches can keep it growing.
Diablo Immortal is set 5 years after Lord of Destruction. If Diablo IV turns out to be a PC/Consoles MMO, it might be set at a different timeline than Diablo III. The question would be: Set in the past? Set in the future? Maybe some kind of Caverns of Time? I am very curious to hear the developer hint that in Diablo Immortal the Prime Evils are returning too soon post LoD. What did he mean by that? Is timetraveling involved?
We know that the Enchantress follower is from a different time era. Wizards have temporal spells that mess with time.
Eirena’s mastery of enchantments and steely bravery in battle belie her youth – but the truth of her origins reconciles these qualities.
Eirena hails from the distant era of the Mage Clan Wars, where she was part of a clandestine sisterhood of magic-users known as the Hand of the Prophet. When the leader of the sisterhood, the eponymous Prophet, foresaw a great disaster that would occur fifteen hundred years in the future, Eirena and her sisters pledged their lives to preventing the tragedy. The sisters’ pledges were far from mere words, and the Prophet placed the entire sisterhood in a magical slumber to preserve them until the appointed time.
Recently, Eirena awoke to find herself in a world of portents and turmoil, a land vastly changed from the one she remembers. Her sisters are dead, and the Prophet is nowhere to be found.
Despite the shock of her situation, Eirena’s purpose is clear: she has given herself over to a new age in the hopes that she will discover its salvation. Could her uncommon magic prove to be the key that will help you expel demonkind from Sanctuary?
How did the prophecy about the End Times with so much details came upon Deckard's hands? Did someone from the future went back in time and spread the End Times story in the past as a warning? Was the past changed then, creating an alternate future?
TRANSCRIPT from BlizzCon 2018 Diablo Immortal World and Q&A panel:
Fan #1: I wanted to ask about the most important Prime Evil: Mephisto. Can we expect to see him? In any form?
Wyatt: It’s too early to say, which is, I know is sort of a dodge; but it’s too early to say. I think one of the things that’s exciting is, we are exploring how some of the Prime Evils might be returning faster than they should. So, I will leave it at that for the moment.
I'm a bit skeptical of D2 remaster because its going to be a huge asspain compared to say Starcraft.
Our interview with Brian Sousa at BlizzCon 2017:
Brian Sousa: Of course, we have talked about what's next for the Classic Games team. Those kinda things that bring back Warcraft 1, Warcraft II, Warcraft III, Diablo 1, Diab-- you know, anything that we have is technically open to doing so.
What we are focusing on now is actually the games that we know that are still being played and loved like Warcraft III and Diablo II. Getting those two up onto the modern Battle.net platform. Making sure that their experience with those games that are still being played work well with all of our other titles.
In this thread, I won't mention what was announced at BlizzCon, or the community reaction.
I will focus on what is 100% fact based on info Blizzard developers have hinted.
Wyatt and Allen Adham's smiles when asked about what they have in development for PC, and their comment that "we know what you want, and we have multiple projects developed by multiple teams" is definitely a hint that Diablo IV is in development.
StarCraft: Remastered shipped last year, and Warcraft III: Reforged was announced for 2019. I have posted news about job openings for Diablo remastered positions. It is 100% factual that Diablo II: Remastered (including Lord of Destruction) is the next game coming from the Classic Games team.
Brian Sousa told us at BlizzCon 2017 that StarCraft: Remastered took 1 year to develop. That's a sprite 2D engine, not a 3D engine. Diablo II is built in a 2D engine. Seeing as Blizzard didn't make a 3D engine for StarCraft: Remastered, then it is logical that Diablo II: Remastered will remain a 2D engine. That means Diablo II: Remastered is coming in 2019. 2020 as the very latest (and I doubt that).
A perfect platform to announce Diablo IV is GamesCom, giving fans a cinematic and maybe a demo. Enough hype to build up toward BlizzCon 2019.
However, Blizzard did hint that the forges at Blizzard are burning hot, and that evil things take time.
Being there multiple projects, I wouldn't be surprised if Diablo IV is not announced in 2019, but instead a new DLC pack similar to the Necromancer, but adding another class. My bet is on Druid.
(((Update: The Rise of the Necromancer pack was actually announced at PAX East. I was invited by Blizzard to the press event and played the demo there on March 2017. Maybe a second pack gets announced at PAX East too?)))
If you listen to the panel, Kris Zierhut said he likes to play as a druid main in World of Warcraft.
Wyatt: Well, we are planning on adding additional classes over time. So, you know, Matthew got a vote, Chris got a vote, you have a vote. It’s kind of a three way tie. We’ll see what happens next.
Kris: My World of Warcraft's main is a Druid. So...
Wyatt: Oh! I see, I see why.
They were talking about Immortal, though. They will release new classes over time to that game.
For Diablo III, if they released a Druid pack, think adding a new class and nothing else is not enough. There should be at least a new zone, new dungeons, new loot and content. No one wants to start a new class from level 1 for the same content in Reaper of Souls. A full expansion isn't particularly needed. Blizzard has added new zones in the past.
Adding new zones with new lore (i.e. Scosglen) to Diablo III: Reaper of Souls as a Druid pack could tie in with Diablo Immortal (set 5 years after LoD). However, lorewise, we can't forget that Tyrael sent Horadrim to Skovos Isles in Reaper of Souls. It's an odd comment to make in-game if it is not going to be featured in upcoming content to follow up.
So if there is a upcoming Class pack with Skovos Isles content, what could make sense is to launch a Amazon class pack + Skovos zone.
Why do I think a DLC pack is coming? In Rhykker's BlizzCon interview with Allen Adham, he mentioned Blizzard hasn’t forgotten the Diablo franchise’s PC and Console audience.
The only thing currently in Console is Diablo III: Eternal Collection (which includes the base-game, Reaper of Souls, and Rise of the Necromancer pack). If we take Allen's words literally, then we should expect a Diablo III DLC pack or expansion for PC that will also be released on Consoles.
StarCraft II: Remastered was announced on 25 Mar 2017. Shipped on August 14, 2017. It took a year to develop from scratch.
Warcraft III: Reforged was announced November 2, 2018. However, it's been in development for a while, and it has some degrees of difficulty making it compatible with old custom maps while upgrading some systems. It might take longer to ship. However, seeing there are multiple teams, I wouldn't be surprised if we get an announcement around the time StarCraft: Remastered did. Diablo II: Remastered shouldn't take more than a year to develop.
It is frustrating that we didn't hear anything new for the PC, but hearing the assurance that multiple projects are in the works, at least we know we can expect several Diablo PC projects. Hopefully, Diablo II: Remastered ships this Summer so that at least people have something for PC to spend time on until Diablo IV comes out.
Thanks everyone for participating. Used a randomizer to pick a winner.
The winner of unending hatred and cussing by other 101 participants, and of a Diablo III: Book of Cain -- to be shipped directly by Insight Editions -- is:
I'll giveaway one Diablo III: Book of Cain (courtesy of Insight Editions) exclusively to Diablofans.com forum members and moderators.
Restrictions:
1. Only those who registered on diablofans.com before December 12th of 2011.
2. Must be the minimum age Diablo III states in your country.
3. International ok. Likely the winner has to take care of VAT or other fees upon arrival.
4. Only one entry per person.
All you have to do is to post a comment (talk about this book) in this forum thread. Don't forget to add the following text at the beginning of your comment (to keep track of unique entries):
**gimme bookofcain**
Deadline: Tue, Dec 13th at 11:59pm EST
Note: There's a second one I am giving away that's wrapping up Thursday, Dec 15, 2011. All you got to do is post on Twitter a short comment about Diablo III Book of Cain with the following text to keep track of submissions:
Good I found this forum thread in time. Nowhere in the Chris Metzen interview at Gameplanet he says the Book of Cain has been delayed until January. Thus, this is mere rumor based on what Amazon listed.
About a month ago, there was another rumor about a delay, and I quickly contacted Insight Editions to debunk that. As then, I contacted today Sunday, Dec 11 the Insight Editions Publicity Manager.
She responded on a Sunday within half-hour.
The Amazon release date is inaccurate. Diablo III: Book of Cain will ship on December 13th. Amazon will fix this internally.
UPDATED Dec 14th: The original rumor (January 10th) was debunked by Insight Editions publicity manager on Sunday, Dec 11th after I contacted her.
As of that Sunday, all was on track for release on December 13th. Out of the blue, and unrelated to the original rumor, there was a delay in shipment. Insight Edition reports via twitter the book will be sent out on Dec 16, or before Dec 19th tops.
I went to the New York Comic Con, and landed first at the Insight Editions booth to take a photo and video of their booth where they have a poster of Diablo III: Book of Cain.
I showed my press badge to the booth attendant, and she gave the 2012 Insight Editions Complete Catalog. There I got the names of some of the artists, and (drumroll) plans to launch an eBook version -- which comes handy for international folks who might not have the chance of having access to the physical hardcover.
I managed to amplify the tiny illustrations, and transcribed the Diablo character entry.
UPDATE - Oct 20: Three new images available.
UPDATE - Oct 20: 8 pages preview -- massive lore spoilers about the origin of the universe and the Worldstone.
During our phone interview with Nate Kenyon to discuss details on StarCraft: Ghost--Spectres, Nate Kenyon revealed he is currently writing a new Diablo III novel tie-in.
The title and plot is unknown, but this is the first confirmation of a new Diablo III novel since September 25, 2007 when Diablo: The Sin War, The Veiled Prophet shipped.
In case someone mentions it, nope, Diablo III: Book of Cain is an encyclopedia. Not a novel.
2
I am hopeful to play Diablo IV, when it is ready. In the meantime, if my NVIDIA Shield tablet is optimized to be able to play Diablo Immortal, I'll hook it to my HDMI display to play it.
However, I am very concerned about the term MMOARPG.
The gameplay videos I have seen from Bahjeera/Jen, Pamela Horton, and Kraxell show an exact copy of how Diablo III's environment and maps look like.
I don't think it should be called a MMOARPG, or if the intention is to make one (which I am sure is the intent) make it a true MMOARPG.
I need to explain my point of view here.
This is a game outside Diablo III, which should feel like a Diablo game. However, being an MMO, it should be a true open world of Sanctuary. A fixed outdoor world that resembles something akin to Zuldazar or Stormsong Valley -- but from the point-of-view of the camera on the sky looking down (like we know from Diablo II and Diablo III).
I put together the Bilefen map in Adobe Photoshop by knitting together the mini-map pieces shown in the gameplay video (Kraxell's). This does not look like a MMO open world environment to me. This looks like a copy of Diablo II and Diablo III's environment with narrow paths that zig zag from point A to point B.
I submitted a tweet to @Diablo to let them know my concern. If I am going to travel from Westmarch to Bramwell, I want to explore full zones as I make my way there.
For example, if you are in Stormwind and wish to travel to Loch Modan on foot, you travel through Elwynn Forest, then Redridge Mountains. Head north toward Burning Steppes. Cross through Blackrock Mountain, then Searing Gorge, Badlands, then Loch Modan. Immense landscapes. A true open world.
Of course, it doesn't have to be first-person view. It would be the same, but the camera on the sky looking down in an angle (like in any Diablo game). But still a true open world.
Bilefen as shown in the map below.... as I candidly tweeted to the @Diablo team, looks like a narrow spagetti string, trying to mimic Diablo III's environment. It is in no way a vast open world.
I want an open world like this:
1
I'm not so sure about 4-5 years from now. I wish to be more optimistic and think of 1-2 years away. I have posted about job openings for many years. There has been a lot of activity the past few years long before StarCraft: Remastered.
Diablo III was in development from 2001 - 2012. However, don't let that discourage you about Diablo IV's development timeline. A lot of things happened to force Diablo III development to last that long.
On June 30, 2003 -- several Blizzard North employees quit and formed Flagship Studios.
By 2004, more Blizzard North developers quit en mass. At least 30 employees. Some joined Castaway Entertainment.
By 2008, there was the Vivendi Games --> to Activision Blizzard transition and restructuring. I assume there was a bit of a shake up that delayed things.
The Diablo III that Blizzard North started was scrapped. Blizzard restarted it from scratch. Technology also grew from 2004-forward, so I assume some changes had to be made to benefit from new tools.
Diablo Immortal is a brand-new mobile game that started probably in 2016. Allen Adham was presented as returning to Blizzard at BlizzCon 2016 where he said:
Nowadays we know that Diablo Immortal was one of the incubation unannounced games. So that was two years ago. Diablo Immortal beta testing is in 2019. That sounds like a very short development cycle.
In 2017, I posted news about a job opening for a Unannounced Project that was not part of the Incubation team. To my knowledge, we still do not know what that game is about.
This was under the "Unannounced Project" category at the same time there was a separate "Incubation" category (Which means it is not a mobile game), and at the same time there was a "Classic Games" category (which means it is not a Remastered game either).
Overwatch, Hearthstone, and Heroes of the Storm already existed in September 2017 when that "Unannounced Project" category was posted. So... let's take a wild guess. =)
The image below, I took the screenshot on Sept 2017.
Today: November 20, 2018 -- this is the Unannounced Game category sporting 68 new job openings.
My personal guess is that Diablo IV (or whatever name it evolves into) will be an MMO similar to Diablo Immortal, but for the PC/Consoles, where new major content patches can keep it growing.
Diablo Immortal is set 5 years after Lord of Destruction. If Diablo IV turns out to be a PC/Consoles MMO, it might be set at a different timeline than Diablo III. The question would be: Set in the past? Set in the future? Maybe some kind of Caverns of Time? I am very curious to hear the developer hint that in Diablo Immortal the Prime Evils are returning too soon post LoD. What did he mean by that? Is timetraveling involved?
We know that the Enchantress follower is from a different time era. Wizards have temporal spells that mess with time.
How did the prophecy about the End Times with so much details came upon Deckard's hands? Did someone from the future went back in time and spread the End Times story in the past as a warning? Was the past changed then, creating an alternate future?
TRANSCRIPT from BlizzCon 2018 Diablo Immortal World and Q&A panel:
Fan #1: I wanted to ask about the most important Prime Evil: Mephisto. Can we expect to see him? In any form?
Wyatt: It’s too early to say, which is, I know is sort of a dodge; but it’s too early to say. I think one of the things that’s exciting is, we are exploring how some of the Prime Evils might be returning faster than they should. So, I will leave it at that for the moment.
Our interview with Brian Sousa at BlizzCon 2017:
https://youtu.be/SvfLwvfzzr4?t=1250
2
In this thread, I won't mention what was announced at BlizzCon, or the community reaction.
I will focus on what is 100% fact based on info Blizzard developers have hinted.
Wyatt and Allen Adham's smiles when asked about what they have in development for PC, and their comment that "we know what you want, and we have multiple projects developed by multiple teams" is definitely a hint that Diablo IV is in development.
StarCraft: Remastered shipped last year, and Warcraft III: Reforged was announced for 2019. I have posted news about job openings for Diablo remastered positions. It is 100% factual that Diablo II: Remastered (including Lord of Destruction) is the next game coming from the Classic Games team.
Brian Sousa told us at BlizzCon 2017 that StarCraft: Remastered took 1 year to develop. That's a sprite 2D engine, not a 3D engine. Diablo II is built in a 2D engine. Seeing as Blizzard didn't make a 3D engine for StarCraft: Remastered, then it is logical that Diablo II: Remastered will remain a 2D engine. That means Diablo II: Remastered is coming in 2019. 2020 as the very latest (and I doubt that).
A perfect platform to announce Diablo IV is GamesCom, giving fans a cinematic and maybe a demo. Enough hype to build up toward BlizzCon 2019.
However, Blizzard did hint that the forges at Blizzard are burning hot, and that evil things take time.
Being there multiple projects, I wouldn't be surprised if Diablo IV is not announced in 2019, but instead a new DLC pack similar to the Necromancer, but adding another class. My bet is on Druid.
(((Update: The Rise of the Necromancer pack was actually announced at PAX East. I was invited by Blizzard to the press event and played the demo there on March 2017. Maybe a second pack gets announced at PAX East too?)))
If you listen to the panel, Kris Zierhut said he likes to play as a druid main in World of Warcraft.
They were talking about Immortal, though. They will release new classes over time to that game.
For Diablo III, if they released a Druid pack, think adding a new class and nothing else is not enough. There should be at least a new zone, new dungeons, new loot and content. No one wants to start a new class from level 1 for the same content in Reaper of Souls. A full expansion isn't particularly needed. Blizzard has added new zones in the past.
Adding new zones with new lore (i.e. Scosglen) to Diablo III: Reaper of Souls as a Druid pack could tie in with Diablo Immortal (set 5 years after LoD). However, lorewise, we can't forget that Tyrael sent Horadrim to Skovos Isles in Reaper of Souls. It's an odd comment to make in-game if it is not going to be featured in upcoming content to follow up.
So if there is a upcoming Class pack with Skovos Isles content, what could make sense is to launch a Amazon class pack + Skovos zone.
Why do I think a DLC pack is coming? In Rhykker's BlizzCon interview with Allen Adham, he mentioned Blizzard hasn’t forgotten the Diablo franchise’s PC and Console audience.
The only thing currently in Console is Diablo III: Eternal Collection (which includes the base-game, Reaper of Souls, and Rise of the Necromancer pack). If we take Allen's words literally, then we should expect a Diablo III DLC pack or expansion for PC that will also be released on Consoles.
StarCraft II: Remastered was announced on 25 Mar 2017. Shipped on August 14, 2017. It took a year to develop from scratch.
Warcraft III: Reforged was announced November 2, 2018. However, it's been in development for a while, and it has some degrees of difficulty making it compatible with old custom maps while upgrading some systems. It might take longer to ship. However, seeing there are multiple teams, I wouldn't be surprised if we get an announcement around the time StarCraft: Remastered did. Diablo II: Remastered shouldn't take more than a year to develop.
It is frustrating that we didn't hear anything new for the PC, but hearing the assurance that multiple projects are in the works, at least we know we can expect several Diablo PC projects. Hopefully, Diablo II: Remastered ships this Summer so that at least people have something for PC to spend time on until Diablo IV comes out.
1
1
The winner of unending hatred and cussing by other 101 participants, and of a Diablo III: Book of Cain -- to be shipped directly by Insight Editions -- is:
GhostLoad
**************************************
I'll giveaway one Diablo III: Book of Cain (courtesy of Insight Editions) exclusively to Diablofans.com forum members and moderators.
Restrictions:
1. Only those who registered on diablofans.com before December 12th of 2011.
2. Must be the minimum age Diablo III states in your country.
3. International ok. Likely the winner has to take care of VAT or other fees upon arrival.
4. Only one entry per person.
All you have to do is to post a comment (talk about this book) in this forum thread. Don't forget to add the following text at the beginning of your comment (to keep track of unique entries):
**gimme bookofcain**
Deadline: Tue, Dec 13th at 11:59pm EST
Note: There's a second one I am giving away that's wrapping up Thursday, Dec 15, 2011. All you got to do is post on Twitter a short comment about Diablo III Book of Cain with the following text to keep track of submissions:
hashtags: @blizzplanet #bookofcain
1
About a month ago, there was another rumor about a delay, and I quickly contacted Insight Editions to debunk that. As then, I contacted today Sunday, Dec 11 the Insight Editions Publicity Manager.
She responded on a Sunday within half-hour.
The Amazon release date is inaccurate. Diablo III: Book of Cain will ship on December 13th. Amazon will fix this internally.
http://www.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/insight-editions-confirms-diablo-iii-book-of-cain-shipping-dec-13
UPDATED Dec 14th: The original rumor (January 10th) was debunked by Insight Editions publicity manager on Sunday, Dec 11th after I contacted her.
As of that Sunday, all was on track for release on December 13th. Out of the blue, and unrelated to the original rumor, there was a delay in shipment. Insight Edition reports via twitter the book will be sent out on Dec 16, or before Dec 19th tops.
http://twitter.com/#!/insightedit/status/146667200567193600
1
I showed my press badge to the booth attendant, and she gave the 2012 Insight Editions Complete Catalog. There I got the names of some of the artists, and (drumroll) plans to launch an eBook version -- which comes handy for international folks who might not have the chance of having access to the physical hardcover.
I managed to amplify the tiny illustrations, and transcribed the Diablo character entry.
UPDATE - Oct 20: Three new images available.
UPDATE - Oct 20: 8 pages preview -- massive lore spoilers about the origin of the universe and the Worldstone.
2
The title and plot is unknown, but this is the first confirmation of a new Diablo III novel since September 25, 2007 when Diablo: The Sin War, The Veiled Prophet shipped.
In case someone mentions it, nope, Diablo III: Book of Cain is an encyclopedia. Not a novel.
2
Diablo # 1 (of 5)
1