Blizzard Event Hints at August Beta for Diablo III

[John Funk]

Blizzard Event Hints at August Beta for Diablo III

Cross your fingers, PC gamers. And then uncross them, because you'll be needing to click rapid-fire.

Back in May, we learned that Blizzard was hoping to unleash the closed beta test for its infernal slash-and-loot RPG sometime this summer [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/109885-Diablo-III-Beta-Rises-from-Hell-This-Summer]. Now, signs have surfaced that indicate that while we likely won't see the beta in July, we could see it as soon as August 1st.

Blizzard has extended an invitation to members of the gaming press to come visit its headquarters in Irvine, California in July, for a shindig all about the Diablo III beta. As with most press events, the information is embargoed (meaning, folks can't write about it) until the first of August.

Now, as MTV Multiplayer [http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2011/06/22/diablo-3-beta-details-coming-your-way-on-august-1st/] points out, this is fairly solid proof that we won't see the beta in July, or else the gamers playing it would beat the press to all the scoops.

It does, however, make it all the more likely that the official Diablo III beta would start on or shortly after the first of August. After all, why hold a press event about a beta that you don't plan on launching for a while?

It's hardly concrete confirmation here, so I wouldn't go booking time off from work in August - but it is an interesting bit of news nonetheless. One wonders what the scope of the D3 beta could be, because unlike StarCraft II the game doesn't have a heavily promoted multiplayer-only component that needs balancing.

I've played Diablo III at each of the BlizzCons [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/86767-Blizzcon-08-Hands-On-Diablo-III], and every time I've found myself absolutely loving it. The game is shaping up to be phenomenal, and I'm crossing my fingers that we get some hands-on time sooner rather than later.

(MTV Multiplayer [http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2011/06/22/diablo-3-beta-details-coming-your-way-on-august-1st/])

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[ciasteczkowyp]

D III seems to beat Dungeon Siege 3 (the most boring hack and slash in 2011) even before beta xD. I can't wait!

 

[Grey_Focks]

God dammit, where do I put my name/money!

 

[Auxiliary]

I just wonder where the writer of this article gets his idea that there is no multiplayer component which requires balancing. I am quite sure there will be arena-combat in this game and I would not be surprised if they had something similar to battlegrounds as well.

 

[Megacherv]

Interesting, might sign up for that

 

[Azmael Silverlance]

Cmon John we know why you are crossing your fingers Its because your hoping to go to Blizz HQ and play some more

 

[John Funk]

I just wonder where the writer of this article gets his idea that there is no multiplayer component which requires balancing. I am quite sure there will be arena-combat in this game and I would not be surprised if they had something similar to battlegrounds as well.

There is arena combat, I played it at Blizzcon. But it's nowhere near the scope of SC2, and the developers have said that they will not be trying to balance PvP at all.

 

[Riobux]

I really hope I end up trying Diablo 3, mainly because I'm not entirely sold on the game. Diablo 2 made me feel apathetic at best and irritated at "wonder through the dark lost" gameplay at worst. I'm really hoping Diablo 3 is good and I want the chance to try it, enjoy it and then buy it. However, the chances of me being able to grab a BETA key before all the fans who were going to buy it no matter what grabs them all is pretty slim.

 

[Saviordd1]

I'll believe it when the CEO of blizzard walks up to my door, throws a box that says "DIABLO 3 BETA" in REALLY big letters on it and then cheerfully watches as I install it so I can hit him if its a joke

 

[BabyRaptor]

Running off to check my Beta settings again. Knowing my luck, though...I got into the Wrath and Cataclysm betas, so I'll get stuck watching from the sidelines this time.

 

[Rad Party God]

I'll believe it when the CEO of blizzard walks up to my door, throws a box that says "DIABLO 3 BETA" in REALLY big letters on it and then cheerfully watches as I install it so I can hit him if its a joke

You mean like this?

Spoiler: Click for hellish image.

OT: I'm eagerly waiting for this, I double checked my beta settings. I think I'm getting that itchy feeling of hype in anticipation for a new game, that same itch I have for Guild Wars 2 and Skyrim.

 

[Rack]

I'm still hoping this will be a sequel to Diablo II and not just a reskin and you'll need to do more than click the mouse button till your fingers seize up.

 

[DogOnDrugs]

On the "why beta?" part, well Blizzard knows how much publicity a beta is making, it's a huge marketing stunt. For quite some time especially open betas have been a very good way of making sure people buy your game. In a way its a free trial, and if the game delivers, it's a first fix to start your addiction. Not saying it's going to be an open beta, but there will be information leaking and that is going to further fuel the anticipation of its release.

 

[Genixma]

Diablo 3. 11 years in the ma--wait. wait a minute. Where have I heard something similar to that? Oh well I'm sure Blizzard will never make a game that sells their fans short. I bet Diablo III will be long and well worth the wait. Because they have never released a game that was short, provided uninteresting multiplayer, and a disappointing ending ^_^

 

[Richard Allen]

I'm still hoping this will be a sequel to Diablo II and not just a reskin and you'll need to do more than click the mouse button till your fingers seize up.

Same basic premise with a few new mechanics. But I wouldn't expect anything ground breaking so I think you will be a bit dissapointed if you were hoping for something brand new.

 

[Richard Allen]

Diablo 3. 11 years in the ma--wait. wait a minute. Where have I heard something similar to that? Oh well I'm sure Blizzard will never make a game that sells their fans short. I bet Diablo III will be long and well worth the wait. Because they have never released a game that was short, provided uninteresting multiplayer, and a disappointing ending ^_^

Not sure if you were being sarcastic. If not what are you talking about, pretty sure just about every blizzard product has been a gem and worth the wait.

 

[SonofSeth]

Diablo 3. 11 years in the ma--wait. wait a minute. Where have I heard something similar to that? Oh well I'm sure Blizzard will never make a game that sells their fans short. I bet Diablo III will be long and well worth the wait. Because they have never released a game that was short, provided uninteresting multiplayer, and a disappointing ending ^_^

Not sure if you were being sarcastic. If not what are you talking about, pretty sure just about every blizzard product has been a gem and worth the wait.

Don't feed it, ffs!

 

[solidstatemind]

You had to explain 'embargoed'? Really? Sad, sad, sad...

I kind of wonder how they're handling the beta-keys. They announced that 'some' BlizzCon attendees last year would get keys, but they never said how it was going to be determined or how many would get them. As an attendee, I'm dying to know...

 

[Abedeus]

I'm still hoping this will be a sequel to Diablo II and not just a reskin and you'll need to do more than click the mouse button till your fingers seize up.

But that won't be Diablo then.

Also, I suspect a small killing spree in the future if I don't get to play this beta. I played Warhammer beta. Aion beta. All of them - MEANINGLESS.

I am sharpening my katana in case of some weird mojo screwing up my August.