DiabloFans

Please Digg this story - http://digg.com/gaming_news/Huge_Diablo_3_Hints_Dropped_by_Writer

Today our partner site(www.wcradio.com) and a few others(www.blizzplanet.com, www.wowirc.com) hosted a Q&A with Richard A. Knaak, writer of the new book that takes place in the Diablo Universe, Diablo: The Sin War, Book One: Birthright. There are a couple questions relating to Diablo 3 and I think you will be very happy to hear the answers.

"The Sin War trilogy, written by New York Times bestselling author Richard A. Knaak, lays out the basic foundation for the lore of the Diablo universe."

Here are some questions from the interview.


Q - Rathi: Any ifnormation on Diablo3? Have you been asked to write a further story?
A - Knaak: What happens in the Sin War is significant, as I mentioned, toward the future. I know that Blizzard is very eager to make Diablo fans happy.


Q - Medievaldragon: Hope I am not spoiling much at this point, however I really have to ask. Blizzard introduced a new Pandemonium Event monster named Lilith (Act V) in Diablo II Patch 1.11. You can read about her at: http://www.battle.net/diablo2exp/monsters/act5-lilith.shtml
A - Knaak: Answer for Medievaldragon: She is, I believe, although she will look a little different by the game's point. Her part in the trilogy is major.




Q - Medievaldragon: How much of the book is creation of yours, and how involved is Chris Metzen behind the canon storyline of Diablo: The Sin War Trilogy? Do you think the ramifications of this book impact in the storyline of Diablo 3 the game?
A - Knaak: This is a pure collaboration between myself and Chris/Blizzard. All that is written is passed by him and the others there. This will be canon and has adjusted earlier info. The ramifications here will be used for any future project...and I ain't writing for a dead game.


Q - Deathshade|EU: So... Diablo 3?
A - Knaak: I am not writing for a dead world...but a world with dead. nuff said


Read the view interview at http://blizzplanet.com/content/601/

Someone posted a Diablo 3 trailer on our message boards so I decided to get a page together of all the previous released "trailers".

You can check out the trailers by visiting -> http://www.diablo3.com/cmps_index.php?page=trailers

As always, help Diablo 3 by visiting http://digg.com/gaming_news/Diablo_3_Trailers and DIGGing the story, that will help spread the word!

One last note, these are not official trailers, and Diablo3.com is not owned by Blizzard, we are a Fan Site!

Diablo3.com has opened up the "Official" Diablo 3 Petition.

The goal of this petition is to show blizzard the gaming community is ready for the next installment of the Diablo series. Once enough signatures are received Diablo3.com will send Blizzard a professional e-mail on behalf of the petition members requesting an answer. Any follow up e-mails will be posted on the site.

The most important thing you can do other then signing it is visiting http://digg.com/gaming_news/Official_Diablo_3_Petition and "Digging" the article. So please sign up and Digg!


Click here to Sign the petition

I just installed a brand new image gallery for our users to enjoy. Feel free to upload all Gaming related images (including your very own Diablo 3 Fan Art!)

http://www.diablo3.com/forums/vbpicgallery.php?

If you find any problems or bugs please contact me through the message board.

Looks like Blizzard's Diablo team is hiring once again! This can only mean good things because the job description fits perfectly with someone that would be working on Diablo 3.

The team behind Diablo I and II is looking for a skilled Senior 3D Character Animator. The ideal candidate has experience animating both human and non-humanoid characters. A solid grasp of the principles of body movement, anticipation, overshoot, follow-through, squash and stretch, forward and inverse kinematics and other facets of both 2D and 3D animation is essential. The ideal candidate works well in an environment of peers who are passionate about making great games.

Read the job posting here.

I think its about time to start stepping up the pressure for an announcement of whatever games they are working on. Its been far too long and the waiting is driving many people crazy.... coming from the web master of a gaming site dedicated to a game that doesn't exists. =)

Hey there, I have just opened up Starcrafttwo.com - a starcraft 2 forum community. Much like this site, it will be a place to talk about Starcraft 2 and find the latest rumours and information. Right now I would like to ask for some help in getting a couple good threads going on that forum so please take some time and visit the site.

Click here to visit the site.
Click here to register on the forums.

Now, an update on Diablo3.com, we are currently holding a contest on a webmaster forum for a new design here at Diablo3.com. With the release of the new vBulletin forum software we will be working on a new CMS. So things are moving, just a bit more slowly then any of us wanted.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO HELP DIABLO3.COM SPREAD THIS STORY


Well, blizzard has licensed the Havok 4.0 engine for future games, its up to you to figure out what this will be used on. What is Havok 4.0?

With Havok 4.0, game developers can select from a modular suite of technologies and tools spanning game-play physics, character animation, behaviors and special effects, optimized for the widest range of platforms, including Sony Computer Entertainment Inc (SCEI) much-anticipated “PLAYSTATION®3” computer entertainment system, Microsoft’s 64bit Windows operating system, and now Apple Mac.

Starcraft 2? special physics for a RTS possible? Huge massive battles, using different terrains and so on? Coule be possible.

Diablo 3? I could see character animation and special effects being put to good use.

Another title? OR could blizzard be working on Starcraft Ghost again, or another FPS? One thing that could be excited is the cross plateform ability, possibly a blizzard game on every major system?

Discuss!

Click here to read the full press release!

Here is some news for all the people that continue to say there will be no Diablo 3 because the people behind the original Diablo's have left blizzard.


"The team behind Diablo I and II is looking for an artist specializing in the creation of user interface art. This artist will create such things as in-game background screens, UI containers/borders, item icons, character portraits, etc. The ideal candidate has strong painting skills, the ability to adapt their style, and feels comfortable working in a team environment."

Looks like Blizzard has a Diablo team after all, isn't it weird for a company that is only focusing on World of Warcraft is hiring for other developements =)

Take a look over at http://www.blizzard.com/jobopp/artist-ui.shtml !


Please help spread this story -> http://digg.com/gaming_news/Blizzards_Diablo_Team_Hiring

Hey there, I'm currently looking for a graphic artist to join the Diablo3.com and an upcoming network of gaming sites. You must have past experience and of course, artist ability. The position will be voluntary until the network begins to grow so the last requirement is to have a passion for Gaming.

If you are interested please contact teamnexus AT hotmail.com

Help Spread the Word! Click to Digg it!!!

**Text Added By Umaro - original thread posted by Darkjay!**
The main argument people have against Diablo 3 being made by blizzard is that a lot of the creators have left the company. If anyone knows anything about Computer game companies they know this has happened many times in the past and the original company continues to make games for a franchise.

Another argument is that blizzard is busy with World of warcraft, well, blizzard has more then one team working on games in the company and they have even announced they are working on 2 un-named projects.

Step back for a second and consider this, Diablo 2 sold 1 million copies in 2 weeks and went on to sell a total of 7 million copies. They essentially have a license to print money by releasing a Diablo 3.

Honestly, if Blizzard has the man power, the rights to a franchise that broke all kind of game selling records and a loyal fan base of a couple million that WANT them to make a Diablo 3, and will buy the game why wouldn't they? I believe the onus is on the non-believers at this point to make a solid argument why Blizzard would be silly enough not to make a Diablo 3.






Darkjays original post*********************
Latly blizard has bough up several diablo related websites... some linking back to blizzard europe.
www.diablo3.es
www.diablo3.com.au
www.diablo3.fr
www.diablo3.de

Blizzard has posted several new job openings for the diablo franchise.

http://www.blizzard.com/jobopp/ - the total list

http://www.blizzard.com/jobopp/designer-game-systems.shtml

Game Systems Designer

Blizzard Entertainment is looking for a talented and experienced game designer to work with the developers of Diablo and Diablo II. Duties will include working on general game design, rules systems, play balance, interface design and multiplayer features. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in game design, outstanding "people" skills, and a longstanding passion for playing games.

Blizzard offers a fun, creative, and technically challenging environment with excellent compensation and a full range of benefits.

Requirements

3+ years game design experience including experience on a shipped product

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Absolute passion for playing and making computer games

Ability to work well in a team environment

Experience playing online multiplayer games

Organized; works well under deadlines

Talent for writing fiction and/or excellent math skills

Pluses

Extensive knowledge of Blizzard games

Experience in designing competitive online games

Familiar with a wide variety of Role Playing and Strategy gameshttp://www.blizzard.com/jobopp/art-3d-animator.shtml
3D Animator

Blizzard Entertainment is looking for a well-rounded 3D modeler and animator to work on an unannounced PC project. The ideal candidate has experience rigging and animating both human and non-humanoid characters and is also able to contribute to a project with excellent modeling skills. Blizzard Entertainment offers a fun, creative, and technically challenging environment with excellent compensation and a full range of benefits.

Requirements

2+ years experience in game development using 3DS Max

Exceptional skill in rigging and animating low polygon 3D characters

Experience working with an art director in developing a unique and cohesive animation style

Self-driven, good communicator and a great team-player

Skill in modeling low and high polygon 3D art assets

A passion for gamesPluses


Skill in illustration and/or texturing in Photoshop

Experience working with assets for next-generation games, including generating normal maps from high polygon models

Has shipped AAA PC or console titles as an Animator

Experience in FX and particle animation

Understanding of Blizzard's visual style and a passion to push it to the next levelhttp://www.blizzard.com/jobopp/ot-associate-producer.shtml


Associate Producer - Online Technologies

Blizzard's Online Technologies group is looking for a highly organized individual with outstanding communication and project management skills. The ideal candidate has experience managing resources and seeing projects from inception to completion. The successful candidate has exceptional inter-personal skills and the capacity to handle tasks for all of the development teams in Online Technologies. Self-direction and follow-up skills are a must, and international experience is a plus.

Job Duties

Liaises with different departments to facilitate communication.

Works with the Battle.net, Web and Billing leads to determine resources necessary to see projects through to completion.

Coordinates, tracks and manages the activities of taskable personnel to ensure that project tasks are completed on time.
Provides motivation and direction to ensure that project goals, objectives, milestones, and deliverables are achieved.

Assists the department leads with creative and organizational tasks as necessary.

Contributes to a positive work environment.

Interfaces with the international counterparts of Online Technologies to facilitate global initiatives.

Other duties as may be assigned.Requirements

Ability to communicate effectively with programming, art and business personnel.

Experience managing schedules and delivering projects on time.

Knowledge of software development process, project management and performance management.

Exceptional oral and written communication skills.

Unrelenting self-motivation and initiative.

A passion for games.

http://www.blizzard.com/jobopp/battlenet-programmer.shtml good news, this one isnt for WoW

Battle.net Programmer

Blizzard is looking for a talented and enthusiastic network programmer to join our Battle.net team in Irvine. The successful candidate will develop and improve technologies that service millions of gamers who enjoy Blizzard games on Battle.net. The ideal applicant is someone who enjoys technical challenges and the satisfaction of overcoming them.

Requirements:

Strong C/C++ programming skills

Debugging/Optimization skills

Attention to detail

Knowledge of TCP/UDP networking

Familiarity with client/server and peer to peer network development

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, equivalent work experience, or related fieldPlusses:

Experience working with and developing for multiple platforms Windows/Linux/*BSD

Familiarity with networking protocols such as HTTP, SMTP, SNMP, SSL

Multi-threaded programming experience

Scripting language experience (Perl, Python, Ruby, Lua)

Relation database programming experience (SQL, TSQL, PL/SQL)

Web development experience (XHTML, XML, XSLT, XSD, CSS)

Passion for games and online gaming experience

http://www.gamespot.com/e3/e3story.html?sid=6150919
E3 06: Blizzard confirms multiple games in the works
Console release for new titles being considered, PS3 and Xbox 360 being examined as possible platforms.
By Curt Feldman, Brendan Sinclair,

GameSpot Posted May 11, 2006 6:37 pm PT

LOS ANGELES--Despite the overwhelming worldwide success of the massively multiplayer online role-playing game World of Warcraft, Blizzard Entertainment is still looking beyond the franchise to other opportunities.

When asked by GameSpot if the Warcraft universe was all that's left for the company to mine, chief operating officer Paul Sams said, "No. Absolutely not. We have multiple games in development, currently, they are just not announced...to the outside world--and the reality of it is--we are laser focused on what is the thing right then, but there's a ton of additional focus being put toward these other [games] that are in development."

Reflecting on the existing franchises, Sams emphasized, "World of Warcraft and the Warcraft franchise is not the last and the only franchise we are going to operate within. We have two other very, very key franchises to our company's history and to our company's future success. The Diablo and Starcraft franchises are of the utmost importance to us as well. I wouldn't be surprised to see a new franchise from us at some time in the future; there's certainly a desire to do so.
"
A PR rep later expanded on Sams' statement, clarifying that not only were there "multiple games" in development, but that Blizzard was considering "multiple platforms" for those titles. The spokesperson confirmed that the company was looking at both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, but that a decision as to which platform might get the nod had not been made.

In fact, email blizzard asking about diablo3, they sen
t you a reply basically saying that they plan on revisiting the diablo franchise, although they havent made any announcment.

http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=576
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Umaro's 2 Cents
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Though I hate to say it, I don't think they would buy that many servers for Diablo 3, yet... that seems a bit overkill for a game that won't see open beta for probably a long peroid of time.

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DeMiNe0's 2 Cents
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1,500 opteron servers is overkill for ANYTHING. As a network admin and server admin, I know how well opterons work, and how they are suppost to be deployed. It's really hard knowing what blizzard wants to really use them for... I could only imagine... 100 MAX being used for WoW.. Unless they are replacing all of their servers, in which case I guess 400 could be used... 1,500 is just way too many for any company to buy.

Although, they could also just be getting a very good bulk deal on them... but buying servers then waiting to use them is just plan stupid, as you're better off buying somthing current.

wow had 298 servers, they planned on doubling that amound leaving 900 servers lying around.


http://www.diablo3.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1&d=1137532003
cyks; who is one of our forum members, has found that Blizzard on the 9th of December 2005 filed a trademark for Diablo.

A screen shot of the trademark page, and directions on how to get to that trademark page are posted below:


Quote:
Originally Posted by cyks
The US patent office allocates search sessions per visit, so no direct links will function. Below are some directions on how to see what Sage and I see

1st: click the link, --> http://www.uspto.gov/ebc/indexebc.html

2nd: You will see three columns: Patents, Trademarks, other. Click search(TESS) under the Trademarks column and Trademark EBusiness

3rd: Click 'New User Form Search (basic)'

4th: Fill in 'Blizzard,' for the 'Search Term.'

Note: Be sure to assign 'Owner name and address' for the 'Field' parameter!!

5th: Look for 'Diablo.' It should be the first one (There is one for Diablo I, II, and one for LOD, but LOD says LOD, LOL).

5th(cont.):Click 'Diablo'

6th: Enjoy!


http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1127055/000095012306007628/y22210exv99w1.htm


if the pictures dont work scroll down and dl the attachments

http://www.gamingsteve.com/archives/..._diablo_ii.php - Beelzebub thing
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Diabl...led-1545.shtml - Music guy


while this isnt much of evidence it does look good lol


Game of the Year - Computer Gaming World

Game of the Year - Computer Game Entertainment

Role-Playing Game of the Year - Computer Games Strategy Plus

Role-Playing Game of the Year - Computer Net Player

Role-Playing Game of the Year - Online Game Review

Role-Playing Game of the Year - Gamecenter

Role-Playing Game of the Year - runner-up - PC Gamer

1998 Best Role-Playing Game - Software Publishers Association

1998 Best Multiplayer Online Game - Software Publishers Association

Best Role-playing Game of the Year, Editor's Choice Awards - PC Games

Ranked second Best Role-Playing game of All Time - Gamecenter

Editors' Choice Award - PC Gamer

CG Choice Award - Computer Gaming World

#5 Reader's Top 50 - PC Gamer

A+ rating - GamePen

90 Percent rating - PC Gamer

10 out of 10 rating - Computer Net Player

10 out of 10 rating - Online Game Review

9.6 out of 10 rating - Gamespot

5 out of 5 rating - Gamecenter

4.5 out of 5 rating - Computer Gaming World



Computer Game of the Year - Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences

Game of the Year - Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences

Game of the Year - PC Dome Magazine

Best PC Game of the Year -- 2000 European Computer Trade Show Awards

Roleplaying Game of the Year - Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences

Roleplaying Game of the Year - PC Dome Magazine

Excellence in Audio (Matt Uelmen, Jason Hayes, Glenn Stafford & Andrea Pessino) - Game Developers Choice Awards

Editors' Choice Award - Computer Gaming World

Editor's Choice/Game of the Month - PC Gamer

Editor's Choice Awards - GamePro

Best Network Game of the Year Award -- Play Online Magazine

2000 Game Hall of Fame - MacWorld

Roper/Starch Worldwide Best of Issue (September 2000) - Computer Gaming World

Golden Fire Hydrants Award - RPG - Happy Puppy

Top 20 Video Games of 2000 - Newsweek

94 percent rating - PC Gamer

4.5 out of 5 rating - Computer Gaming World

5 out of 5 rating - Incite

5 out of 5 rating - Maxim Online

Direct Hit - Daily Radar

4 out of 5 rating - Computer Games Magazine

3 ½ out of 4 rating - USA Today

4 out of 4 - Dallas Morning News



Best Roleplaying and Adventure Game of the Year (Gold Medal) - Wargamer

Editor's Choice (5 out of 5 rating) - Computer Games

Editor's Choice (4.5 out of 5 rating) - Computer Gaming World

Editor's Choice (4.5 out of 5 rating) - Game Pen

Editor's Choice (90 percent rating) - Gamesmania

Editor's Choice (8.8 out of 10 rating) - IGN

Best PC Expansion of 2001 - GamePen

Gamers' Choice Expansion Pack Game of the Year - Gamespy

Role Playing and Adventure Game of the Year 2001 - Wargamer

90 percent rating - PC Games (Germany)

89 percent rating - PC Gamer (UK)

89 percent rating - Gamestar

Runner Up PC Expansion Pack Game of the Year - Gamespy

Gamers Choice Award (92 percent rating) - Game Over Online

Pure Gold - Gone Gold

Golden Heart Award - Gamers Pulse

Whoop Ass - Voodoo Extreme

Games de Gold - Games.de

Freakin' Awesome! - MacAddict

Best Expansion Pack of 2001 - January 2002 issue of Macworld
Blizzards reply to my emails.

Hello Jay,

Thank you for contacting us regarding the possibility of a sequel to
the world of Diablo. Although we have not made an announcement, there is
always the possibility that we will revisit the world of Diablo at some
point in the future. For further information regarding future releases,
please check our web site - ("http://www.blizzard.com") as this is the
best place to receive the latest information about our games as it
becomes available.

Best Regards,
Kenneth
Blizzard Entertainment
Technical Support

Umaro here, just wanted to give you guys a little update on the site progress. We had some problems with the coder in charge of programming the new Diablo 3 layout :mad: So we had to find a new programmer and everything is on its way. That includes a new layout, a content management system, advertising and promotion for the site.

As you can see, all advertisements have been brought down. We will not support Gold Selling/Duping/Hacking sites in anyway!

So take a seat, grab a soda and sign up for the message boards, the new Diablo3.com is coming.

You heard it on Diablo3.com First!

What does IGN know that we don’t? Take a look at this IGN advertisement which clearly has Diablo 3 listed as a game. I really don’t want to be negative (hey, I’m the co-webmaster of a site dedicated to a game that hasn’t been announced for years!) but IGN is probably just trying to people to come back and read their E3 coverage.

Yes, the advertisement is real.

Click here to view the advertisement!

Another Ad from IGN - Diablo 3 BOLDED

Another view of the above Ad


*****Update******
Looks like someone from IGN left a comment on a blog about the advertisement and had this to say.
"Meh, don't get your hopes up. Looks like someone in our creative department just made an unfortunate choice on what titles to put on the ad"



Special Thanks to Rashoodeus

E3 is just around the corner! Is Blizzard going to finally announce Diablo 3? Or how about Starcraft 2? Get on the forums and discuss!

GamingSteve.com has a small write up about Diablo 3 using some "inside" information. In short, they have been working on the game for many years. The concept of Heaven Vs Hell which oddly enough, was posted before in our story line forums.

Check out the full write up here

http://www.gamingsteve.com/archives/2006/02/rumor_diablo_ii.php

_______________
| Cyks' Reflection |
-----------------

What strikes me the most are the WOW comments, such as, "Blah blah blah, Blizzard will not release D3 because it will compete with WOW."

The fact of the matter is that WOW will experience competition this year no matter what, and Blizzard knows this-- they are not fools. If one thinks that other game developers are not, this very moment, racing to develop a game to tap into this multi-million dollar MMORPG market, you have been playing WOW far too much.

Sure, blizzard has a WOW expansion on its way, but that is nothing more than beating a dead horse. Diablo will be announced by Blizzard this year, but only if they do not want to give up their market share.

So you ask: “Then why are we seeing so many Diablo-related job postings, Blizzard must be behind… right?”

The answer is simple: No, wrong. You do know that all of those job opportunities are for artwork… right? Lets use an analogy to clarify this answer.

Pretend all of us here at diablo3.com want to build a brand new sports car. Should we (A) build the car’s chassis and engine first, then design some flashy artwork that works around the car’s superior design, or should we (B) design the artwork first, and then adapt the car’s engine and chassis around it?

If any of you choose (B), the odds are that you will build a car that cannot perform like a sports car, let alone like any car at all.

Come join me on the newest PVP server Balnazzar, my character name is Feral . Send me lots of money! lol

I'm creating a guild to help get the word out about this site, "Diablo Three Dot Com" So come join, have fun!