Note the Diablo III gameplay segment right after the opening ceremony: hopefully this will be where we'll see all the latest for this year's event. Also note the kick ass image of the Monk with a pretty sick staff at the right. The second day will feature a Diablo III Q & A segment and what I'm guessing is a party for lore-crazed fans: Diablo III: Crafting Sanctuary.
As for the break down on just what will be covered in each of these panels:
Official Blizzard Quote:
PANELS SCHEDULE BLIZZCON DEVELOPER PANELS
Developer panels are always one of the most popular attractions at BlizzCon, as they offer players a chance to discuss the development process with us in person and give attendees a glimpse at what’s in store for their favorite Blizzard Entertainment games. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the panels we’ll be hosting at BlizzCon 2010.
DIABLO III
Diablo III: Crafting Sanctuary
Saturday 10:30am, Developer Panel Stage
The designers, artists, programmers, and writers share new information on the characters, creatures, game systems, and story of Diablo III.
Diablo III Gameplay
Friday 12pm, Main Stage
What's in store next for the heroes of Sanctuary? Learn about the latest game developments in this don't-miss panel for Diablo players.
Diablo III Open Q&A
Saturday 3pm, Main Stage
Got a burning question about the Burning Hells? The development team dedicates an hour to audience questions about the story, design, art, sound, and gameplay of Diablo III.
UPDATE:
For those of you worried about the limited Diablo time, here is what Bahiok had to say.
Official Blizzard Quote:
It's the same number as last year. Two 'info' panels and one open Q&A.
I really don't see how this could be interpreted as any indication of... anything, at all. We have specific things to talk about. It's a weird stretch to come to a conclusion that we must not be able to talk about anything meaningful unless there are 3+ hours of stage time dedicated to talking about the game.
So anyway, yes, there are two panels - - and in-between those panels and for 14 hours a day, both days the developers are in back-to-back interviews with news and press outlets. There will be plenty of info streaming out about the game all over the place even if you don't think that two panels is enough to do so.
[ Post edited by Bashiok ]
I duno about this guys, bashiok really got my hopes up that this was supposed to be a big blizzcon for D3 saying it was the most D3 info packed blizzcon on the b.net forums to date. Then he goes and makes a statement on the forums saying pretty much the opposite.
What a failure. Damn I hate that guy I really do.
My expectations just fell. And why the hell is Sc2 getting what is it, 6 panels or something? What the hell?
Diablo III: Crafting Sanctuary
Saturday 10:30am, Developer Panel Stage
The designers, artists, programmers, and writers share new information on the characters, creatures, game systems, and story of Diablo III.
So it's not just about crafting. Still, it's a limited amount of time to cover new stuff. Let's hope the interviews also have exclusive information.
Bashiok already talked about this in a post on the official forums.
Official Blizzard Quote:
Well, what can I say. World of Warcraft is huge. You can't really compare anything to it, the vast majority of people that go to BlizzCon are hardcore WoW players. We'd be silly to not cater the events and time spent on them to the people paying to attend and their primary interests.
StarCraft II, yeah, they have a lot of panels this year. Last year they had three. They just shipped a game and I think have the time to devote to creating more of them.
Again, the number of panels has nothing to do with the amount or quality of info released.
i don't really think the size of the Diablo III panels will be relevant with the quality (and quantity) of the information we're going to get this year.
And really, if you can't cover everything important in 3 hours there is something wrong.
I'll be pulling for the new class announcement during the show like everyone else.