The first interesting piece of info is about a pretty substantial change in the effect of Gems in the upcoming game.
Official Blizzard Quote:
Diablo: @illthegreat No, they're all pretty much different. Elemental damage comes from enchantments now, for instance.illthegreat: @Diablo Will gems give the same bonuses they did in Diablo 2?
Official Blizzard Quote:
Diablo: @illthegreat There is a "caster gem" for weapons. Potentially two depending on your build.illthegreat: @Diablo since you reworked stats to benefit all classes will gems be treated in the same manner?
Official Blizzard Quote:
Diablo: @Scyberdragon Restrictions are likely for when/where you can change them.Scyberdragon: @Diablo Can runes be swapped when ever or do you need an artisan to equip/swap out runes?
On a bit of an unrelated note, we also got some good news today when we found out that there is now a new Community Manager alongside Bashiok on the Diablo III forums.
Official Blizzard Quote:
Please join me in welcoming Kaivax, our newest community manager!
Kaivax brings with him a wealth of game and community experience. A self proclaimed Diablo-lover (aren't we all?) he's also eager for the 1.3 StarCraft II patch, continuing to work up the ladder, and getting those last few achievements. In addition his experience in the World of Warcraft community will surely be invaluable as we move into 4.1 and beyond. He'll be here with the rest of us, day in and day out to collect your feedback, talk about the games, shout out on Twitter and Facebook, and write up articles for the front page blog.
If taken correctly Kaivax can provide a sense of calm and euphoria. In a small number of cases Kaivax caused eye irritation and a sense of bewilderment. Taking Kaivax while raging may result in a loss of appetite and posting privileges. Consult your code of conduct before challenging Kaivax. If Kaivax posts more than four times, consult a blue tracker.
The Blizzard art page was also updated with some new Diablo fan art featuring three Barbarian pieces and a blood curdling drawing of the infamous http://diablowiki.com/Butcher." class="wiki-link">http://media-diablofans.cursecdn.com/attachments/16/736/wiki2.gif" alt="DiabloWiki.com - Butcher."/> Butcher.
Official Blizzard Quote:
Check em! Four new pieces of awesome fan art are now available in our gallery.
http://us.blizzard.com/en-us/community/fanart/?ip=diablo
I am also glad that there is some form of restriction to swapping out runes. I didn't want to have to worry about keeping different sets depending on what I was doing. Hopefully, they balance it so its not a huge hindrance but deters people from having different runes sets for multiple occasions.
Well if it divides up for two for casters, two for melee, and two for weapon based ranged (aka the DH), then that would be reasonable. What it could also mean is that there are two that are specifically for casters, then one thats an attack speed and applies to all characters, which would really be three options (out of 6 gems) that apply to casters.
Also, even if there is only two for casters, its:
1. Only weapons, so casters could still get a lot of use out of gems in other sockets.
2. The six gems could be divided into 2 per archetype (melee, caster, ranged), which would fit with this description.
But I love the new additions and how nothing is the same in this game. I was seriously scared that we were going to get a Diablo 2 with better graphics.
I'd still play it!
Well actually I'm saying I prefer this look.
Yea he looks awesome!!
Damn Right, I think the butcher has to be one of the most badass monsters in any videogame!