Diablo III to be announced this week

[superdeluxe]

http://www.gamingsteve.com/archives/2008/06/diablo-iii-to-be-announced-this-week.php

omg, I wonder how this is going to look like

[taffer]

Who is "gaming steve" and why does he supposedly have inside info that Diablo 3 is in development, when nobody else does...

[RichC2]

If God can sell me cocaine (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080624/ap_on_fe_st/god_arrest) then Steve can have the inside on Diablo.

[nickdawgy]

I still think it's related to Wrath, but then again it does have runes from all three franchises.

[fumanstan]

Heh. Reading the speculation is fun.

[Decker]

Wonder if it'll come out before Starcraft : Ghost

[lordwow]

There's a lot of speculation that it's definitely not Diablo 3 as well.

[edstein]

I'm a huge D2 fan and I'm not buying this story. Wake me when it's 2011.

[RForte1189]

"Ehmmm..not to be too big a partypooper or anything, but here's my thoughtprocess:

Blue....ice...? Runes...Nordic...? Northrend...? Lich King???

I mean seriously! What's the title gonna be:

"Diablo III : When Hell Freezes Over" ?" "

the clues are definently related to WarCraft and NOT Diablo.

[RForte1189]

just found this

"How about www.diabloii.net basically confirming it is Diablo 3? A reliable site that never spreads rumors.

"Diablo 3 Announcement at WWI

With this week's speculation over the Blizzard teasers, more and more reports in the media, and numerous tips coming direct us at IncGamers from reliable inside industry sources in the past 24 hours, we now have confirmation from inside sources to say that Diablo 3 WILL be announced on Saturday at WWI Paris 2008.

With that in mind, we would like to invite Diabloii.net readers to submit their questions for us to ask Blizzard.

This is extremely exciting for all of us here at Diabloii.net. For the past 10 years we have been supporting the Diablo community and to have something completely new to sink our teeth into is fantastic. We will be at the show on Saturday for the announcement and also the press conference which is directly after, so expect reports from the show floor live, interviews and much more."

Now make sure that when it turns out to Diablo 3 you come back on here and admit that you were fucking wrong... instead of sliding out like a little bitch. I know if it turns out to be something else I will own up to my mistake and admit it although Blizzard will have a huge numbers of loyal fans really pissed off at them.

And some more evidence:

"1. New Diablo Art
Blizzard has made completely new art of Diablo for their WWI logo, BlizzCon last year had old art and Diablo was in the back.

2. CSS names
Code:
/*.tundra {background:url(_images/04.jpg) no-repeat 0 0} */
/*.cavern {background:url(_images/15.jpg) no-repeat 0 0} */
/*.icy {background:url(_images/23.jpg) no-repeat 0 0} */

The hidden classes are named Tundra, Cavern and Icy, possibly after Drifter Cavern, Frozen Tundra and Icy Cellar in Act V of Diablo 2. A qualified guess is that the next names are among these: Pit, Cellar, Summit, Keep, Throne and Chamber.

3. diablo3.com
Diablo3.com previously pointed to diablofans.com, but was taken down on Monday. Blizzard is the owner of the domain so they took it down on purpose.

4. PR disaster
Imagine if they don't announce Diablo 3 on Saturday when everyone are expecting it, they would have a major PR problem. You would think Blizzard would release some kind of denial to soften the blow, and absolutely not hint for a Diablo game in the splash screen.

5. Job Ad
Blizzard has a job ad up with this intro:
Blizzard wrote:
Blizzard Entertainment, the developer of Diablo and Diablo II, is looking for a 3D environment artist skilled at creating models and texture maps for both objects and natural environments.

6. Birthday of Diablo II
Diablo 2 was released on June 29 2000. LoD on June 29 2001. WWI is June 28-29 2008.

Conclusion
Although nothing is 100% certain until Blizzard says so, the evidence is very strong, especially since Blizzard hasn't denied the rumors. There also seems to be something getting brighter behind the ice each day, bursting through, can it be a portal, or even Diablo himself?

Maybe it won't be Diablo 3 on Saturday, might be World of Diablo, or Realms of Diablo, especially with all the job openings for a next-gen MMO."

[Groucho]

More "evidence":

The word "DIABLO" has six letters. Saturday is the 28th of the month. 8-2 = 6. :eek:

[starman9000]

More "evidence":

The word "DIABLO" has six letters. Saturday is the 28th of the month. 8-2 = 6. :eek:


And june is the 6th month of the year and Saturday is the 6th day of the week (if you start with Monday for some reason).


6 6 6 :eek:

[DaveNinja]

And june is the 6th month of the year and Saturday is the 6th day of the week (if you start with Monday for some reason).


6 6 6 :eek:

and the year is 2008! so that 8 - 0 - 0 - 2 = 6!

[fumanstan]

Yeah, some more fun speculation can be found here:

http://www.diablofans.com/

The amount of guessing people are taking with this is pretty crazy and silly. I don't think they'll be disappointed though. Thems some pretty eyes.

[project86]

http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/53312
Blizzard Affirms Upcoming Game Announcement; Diablo 3 'Confirmed,' Claims Leading Diablo Fan Site
by Aaron Linde Jun 25, 2008 3:34pm CST

Blizzard design VP Rob Pardo revealed that the company does intend to announce a new title at the event at this weekend's Blizzard Worldwide Invitiational in Paris, but declined to offer further details.

"So you want me to announce the game before our announcement?" he told GamesIndustry. "No offense, but I think there's like 300 people here, and I'll be ripped apart by 8000 people [at the Invitational] if I pre-announce it—but it's going to be really exciting. I think everybody here will be really excited about the announcement."

Moreover, Diablo fan website DiabloII.net reports that Blizzard's game announcement will be Diablo III, the long-awaited next title in Blizzard's hack-and-slash RPG series.

The site claims to have confirmation of the forthcoming announcement from "inside sources," but does not specify whether the information came from within the company or an external source.

Speculation flared this week over teaser images posted on the front page Blizzard's website, which many believed to contain possible connections to the anticipated hack-and-slash sequel.

Other evidence pointing towards a Diablo III announcement includes the Diablo3.com domain, now empty after previously directing to a Diablo community website. The domain was acquired by Blizzard last month.

Additionally, many speculate that the Worldwide Invitational's June 28 and 29 dates, which coincide with Diablo II's June 29, 2000 release date, lend further credence to rumors of a Diablo III announcement after the event.

One way or the other, expect Blizzard to clear the air this weekend.

Thanks to Mark for the heads up.

[lordwow]

Diablo III: The Lost Vikings!

[Groucho]

My serious prediction: whatever the announced game is, it will be on at least one of the consoles.

My less serious prediction: Diablo Bowling for the Wii!

[fumanstan]

My serious prediction: whatever the announced game is, it will be on at least one of the consoles.

My less serious prediction: Diablo Bowling for the Wii!

What's your sexy prediction?

[Decker]

My serious prediction: whatever the announced game is, it will be on at least one of the consoles.

My less serious prediction: Diablo Bowling for the Wii!
How about "My Diabloz" for the DS?

[Groucho]

What's your sexy prediction?Diablo Effect: 90% branching dialogue, 9% sex scenes, and 1% hack and slash combat.

[Kelkee]

Also note that they just recently (the 17th) did a ladder reset and released v1.12a patch for Diablo 2.

I was an avid D2 player. If its not D3 or something in the Diablo franchise I'd be surprised.

With the WOW and SC2 updates, its time for D3.

[Damed]

This would be the first PC game I bought on release day since D2.

[Liver&Onions]

the new splash screen has eye slits now... they do NOT match up with Damed's picture.

[metalhead212]

More "evidence":

The word "DIABLO" has six letters. Saturday is the 28th of the month. 8-2 = 6. :eek:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/cc/Number23.jpg

conspiracy?

[pinata242]

How about "My Diabloz" for the DS?
Everyone knows that to be taken seriously, every DS game has to be subtitled appropriately. Diablo: Devil Slayer is correct.

In all seriousness, Diablo would work wonderfully well on the DS.

[Superman07]

I'm willing to bet WoW is waining, which is why we're seeing the development of SC:II and possibly D:III.

[fumanstan]

I'm willing to bet WoW is waining, which is why we're seeing the development of SC:II and possibly D:III.

Development of SC2 started before WoW was released. There isn't a correlation.

[pinata242]

Development of SC2 started before WoW was released. There isn't a correlation.
Assuming Blizzard waits for a property to slow before starting another. I think that's a bit short-sighted. I have no doubt SC2 was started before WoW, but to say expected life of WoW didn't factor into the timing and development schedule is bold. Just as bold as me sitting here saying there is a correlation, though :)

You know, I loved WC, WC2, SC, and Diablo. I haven't ever played WC3, WoW, or D2. I don't see myself playing SC2 or D3 either.

I don't have a reason, I just haven't. Maybe my reason is that I don't do PC gaming anymore.

It would be nice if D3 makes it onto the consoles. Do USB mice work on either the 360 (I don't think so) or the PS3 (I think so)?

[Draven]

I'm willing to bet WoW is waining, which is why we're seeing the development of SC:II and possibly D:III.

I just heard that WoW makes about 100 million dollars a month (Gamespot's podcast). I think they are doing just fine.

[fujishig]

UT3 on the PS3 featured keyboard/mouse support.

[fumanstan]

Assuming Blizzard waits for a property to slow before starting another. I think that's a bit short-sighted. I have no doubt SC2 was started before WoW, but to say expected life of WoW didn't factor into the timing and development schedule is bold. Just as bold as me sitting here saying there is a correlation, though :)

There's different development teams working on different time lines and titles at any given time. Obviously it makes sense for any company to plan out releases accordingly so they don't overlap, but the comment made it sound like "WoW has lost some subscribers, we better make Starcraft 2 now!" is incorrect. Trust me. :)

[nickdawgy]

The eyes look like either Diablo's or Arthas eyes. My bet is still on Wrath.

[pinata242]

There's different development teams working on different time lines and titles at any given time. Obviously it makes sense for any company to plan out releases accordingly so they don't overlap, but the comment made it sound like "WoW has lost some subscribers, we better make Starcraft 2 now!" is incorrect. Trust me. :)
Agreed. But I bet something along the lines of "We expect to count on WoW for X months, let's use that as a baseline for getting SC2 out at the right time with the right look, feel, and experience." :)

[starseed1981]

I'll believe it when I see it.

[bee_01]

It would be nice if D3 makes it onto the consoles. Do USB mice work on either the 360 (I don't think so) or the PS3 (I think so)?

I always thought that the Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance and Champions of Norrath Diablo clones were pretty fun.

[superdeluxe]

Who is "gaming steve" and why does he supposedly have inside info that Diablo 3 is in development, when nobody else does...


Gaming Steve has inside connections to the gaming industry I believe.. I am new to the website, via the game Spore.

[fumanstan]

Agreed. But I bet something along the lines of "We expect to count on WoW for X months, let's use that as a baseline for getting SC2 out at the right time with the right look, feel, and experience." :)

True, but honestly, expectations with WoW went out the window a month after the release and the subscriptions kept climbing 3 years after release :p It's pretty typical to expect game releases spaced out so there isn't too large of a gap.

If anything, my personal opinion is that WoW allows a lot more leeway because the steady income results in less pressure to push the next game out.

If you ask me, staying up late on Friday night will be worth it. ;)

[House]

OMG I've been waiting forever for this game. 2011 or 2010 is sooo long to wait though.

[nickdawgy]

I just realized I never played either of the Diablo games.

[edstein]

I just realized I never played either of the Diablo games.

Looks like you'll have plenty of time to catch up. D1 was really good. The dungeons were somewhat randomized adding a little replay value. D2 was incredible and is in my top 5 games of all time.

I'm hoping D3 will be on the xbox and not just the PC.

[CKMorpheus]

I am really hoping for D3. Playing D2 in 800x600 on my 1440x900 screen is torture. :(

[taffer]

I am really hoping for D3. Playing D2 in 800x600 on my 1440x900 screen is torture. :(

It could be worse. D1 was locked at 640x480 resolution....

That's one thing that really bothers me about playing older PC games. A lot of Win95/98 games are locked at 640x480. The original Baldur's Gate and Fallout 1 and 2 are the same.

Playing old games on today's big high-res monitors brings out the ugly.

[darqleo]

OMG I've been waiting forever for this game. 2011 or 2010 is sooo long to wait though.

Yeah, really. I wish they would announce games like 6 months in advance. By the time this game comes out, both HOBBIT movies will have come and gone.

[nickdawgy]

New update for today:

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/1783/ice5nu0.jpg

[taffer]

I wish they would announce games like 6 months in advance.


That's not enough time to get everyone drooling over the hype. :sarcasm:

[Kelkee]

Grrr. I cant make out the details in the new splash screen.

And I cant get to the Blizzard site at the moment.

Can someone post the info update from Diablofans.com? Or a larger version of the new splash screen?

[Groucho]

People chomping at the bit for Diablo 3 should really check out Mythos, which is a spiritual successor to the original games.

[DVDsAreMyLIFE]

I am pretty sure they are just announcing a release date for WoW expansion, Wraith of the Lich King.

http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/wrath/

Look at that and the resemblance, compared to the splash screen.

[dvd182]

I am pretty sure they are just announcing a release date for WoW expansion, Wraith of the Lich King.


While they very well might announce the WoW expansion release date, Blizzard VP Rob Pardo has already confirmed that there will be a new game announcement.

[nickdawgy]

They'll probably announce both the Wrath release date and another game. Warcraft IV maybe? :lol:

That was a joke, ;)

[DVDsAreMyLIFE]

While they very well might announce the WoW expansion release date, Blizzard VP Rob Pardo has already confirmed that there will be a new game announcement.


I am still skeptical. Is that announcement from this VP been on video or put on Blizzards site? If so then I will believe it, but until then it is all just rumors.

[dvd182]

I am still skeptical. Is that announcement from this VP been on video or put on Blizzards site? If so then I will believe it, but until then it is all just rumors.

It's linked indirectly earlier in this thread, but he told GamesIndustry at the end of a Q&A at GDC Paris:

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/blizzard-to-unveil-new-title-at-worldwide-invitational

[starseed1981]

You guys are crazy. Its obviously Rock N' Racing 2.

[DVDsAreMyLIFE]

I guess only time will tell. Is this supposed to be announced tonight or tomorrow night?

[Groucho]

I guess only time will tell. Is this supposed to be announced tonight or tomorrow night?I hope it's soon. I've been lubed up and "ready to go" since Wednesday. :(

[DVDsAreMyLIFE]

I hope it's soon. I've been lubed up and "ready to go" since Wednesday. :(

Haha, Touche.

[Kelkee]

I guess only time will tell. Is this supposed to be announced tonight or tomorrow night?

I assume that they will not make the final reveal until they actually announce it in person in Paris.

It would be silly to reveal it all on the web and then come on stage to announce and announcement that was already announced.

[DVDsAreMyLIFE]

I assume that they will not make the final reveal until they actually announce it in person in Paris.

It would be silly to reveal it all on the web and then come on stage to announce and announcement that was already announced.


Yea, which is when?

[superdeluxe]

I just realized I never played either of the Diablo games.


Thats unpossible!

[nickdawgy]

So how far ahead is Paris time? They update the site at midnight PDT, so maybe that's in time for the announcement.

[Liver&Onions]

I'm calling it a Starcraft teaser, be it ghost or 2.

The highlighted rune in the 7 o'clock positiion looks like the Protoss logo found here - http://www.starcraft2.com/features/protoss/main.xml

Thanks Joystiq!

[DVDsAreMyLIFE]

So how far ahead is Paris time? They update the site at midnight PDT, so maybe that's in time for the announcement.


According to google it is currently 6:46pm Friday (CEST) - Time in Paris, France. So for me being in central time that is 7 hours ahead. We just have to find out if it is going to be tonight or tomorrow they are going to announce it LIVE in Paris.

[DVDsAreMyLIFE]

I'm calling it a Starcraft teaser, be it ghost or 2.

The highlighted rune in the 7 o'clock positiion looks like the Protoss logo found here - http://www.starcraft2.com/features/protoss/main.xml

Thanks Joystiq!


Well if DVD182 is right, they are announcing a NEW game, and SC2 has already been announced. Plus I think StarCraft Ghost was just a cover for SC2 in case something got leaked.

[fumanstan]

If I were a betting man, I would say that staying up really late or waking up really early for those interested would be a good idea.

Say around, 2:45 AM PST.

[Liver&Onions]

Universe of Starcraft.

[DVDsAreMyLIFE]

If I were a betting man, I would say that staying up really late or waking up really early for those interested would be a good idea.

Say around, 2:45 AM PST.


Yea, according to IGN, if they follow the same pattern as they did last year, they will announce there new game during the opening ceremony.

http://pc.ign.com/articles/884/884310p1.html

"While the event goes on for two days, the real source of interest is the opening ceremony, currently scheduled to take place between 11:45 AM and 1:00 PM in Paris. For our North American audience, that's this Saturday between 2:45 AM PDT and 4:00 AM PDT. Last year's WWI's opening ceremony was when the StarCraft II announcement was made."

[edstein]

Starcraft II has already been announced. Why all the secrecy? It's a little too early to be talking about SCII expansion packs don't you think.

[Liver&Onions]

Starcraft II has already been announced. Why all the secrecy? It's a little too early to be talking about SCII expansion packs don't you think.

No, they are taking a tip from Radiohead/NIN/Apple and saying the title will be available via digital download starting on July 1st, and in stores the week after. Get excitement up, then release (that's what she said).

[Kelkee]

I'm calling it a Starcraft teaser, be it ghost or 2.


If thats true then this will be completely overblown and underwhelming. SC2 has already been announced, there is an official site and everything covering anything you wanted to know about SC2.

The Ghost project was killed wasnt it? And really if its Ghost again, its just yet another FPS in a sea of FPS games already available for consoles. Underwhelming.

[fumanstan]

Ghost was more 3rd person.

[Liver&Onions]

No, they are taking a tip from Radiohead/NIN/Apple and saying the title will be available via digital download starting on July 1st, and in stores the week after. Get excitement up, then release (that's what she said).

Damn Liver, I think you might be on to something!

[DVDsAreMyLIFE]

They announced SC2 at the same event last year so we know it won't be SC2.

[Liver&Onions]

No, they are taking a tip from Radiohead/NIN/Apple and saying the title will be available via digital download starting on July 1st, and in stores the week after. Get excitement up, then release (that's what she said).

This could be the shake up the industry needs! Psuedo-indie style! wow Liver, you really put some thought into this one! Kudos!

[nickdawgy]

If that is a Protoss, it could be a Starcraft MMO. A long shot but you never know.

[DVDsAreMyLIFE]

If that is a Protoss, it could be a Starcraft MMO. A long shot but you never know.


This is a possibility, Blizzard is hiring on there site for a new "next gen MMO".

[Liver&Onions]

If that is a Protoss, it could be a Starcraft MMO. A long shot but you never know.

That rune IS the protoss symbol. I'm FUCKING RIGHT!

And take note - when I said above it's a SC teaser or something, that didn't mean SC2 only....

[nickdawgy]

That rune IS the protoss symbol. I'm FUCKING RIGHT!

And take note - when I said above it's a SC teaser or something, that didn't mean SC2 only....

There's runes from all the franchises there I believe. It makes sense for a Starcraft MMO now. The eyes do look Protoss(y?) and the rumors that one of their designers said they'd announce a brand new game makes it look like SC MMO even more.

WoW is so successful, why not try something of the same with SC. God knows an actual good MMO set in space would be fun, sorry SWG.

[fumanstan]

That rune IS the protoss symbol. I'm FUCKING RIGHT!

And take note - when I said above it's a SC teaser or something, that didn't mean SC2 only....


There's a rune from Diablo 2, a rune that matches the one on Frostmourne (Arthas' sword), a rune that kind of looks like the unpublished game Pax Imperia, the Protoss symbol, and something that looks like a viking compass according to people.

I wouldn't look too much into it.

[Liver&Onions]

There's a rune from Diablo 2, a rune that matches the one on Frostmourne (Arthas' sword), a rune that kind of looks like the unpublished game Pax Imperia, the Protoss symbol, and something that looks like a viking compass according to people.

I wouldn't look too much into it.

perhaps you missed the part where I said I'm fucking right. ;)

No matter what it is, it's coming from Blizzard so it should be excellent.

[nickdawgy]

I just figured it out, it's Call of Warcraft Hero.

[DVDsAreMyLIFE]

I would be more excited for D3 than another flipping MMO. I never got into WoW, its just like all other MMOs, grinding.

[DVDsAreMyLIFE]

Also I am not sure how much sense it would be to make a SC MMO because it would really just take away from WoW, you would lose a lot of the people who only have time to play one that are already playing WoW. Yes, a lot of people would get both, but that would die out soon and it would pull away from WoW. It would make more sense to put out a D3 that is free and pull in the crowd who don't want to pay for multiplayer game and don't have the time to dedicate to it.

[Kelkee]

For me anything that they release that is not in the Diablo franchise at this point is a slap in the face for Diablo fans.

If Warcraft and Starcraft get updates and Diablo gets nothing again, it will be a sad day indeed.

[Kelkee]

Also I am not sure how much sense it would be to make a SC MMO because it would really just take away from WoW, ...

I agree here. WoW is the cash generator for the company. They need to use the profits there and expand the other franchises without stepping on WoW's ability to mint money.

Make D3 free online play but with pay upgrades for content or better elite uber loot. They need to get rid of the bots and item shops that ruined D2 once and for all by having their own legit item shop.

[KingSmoth]

Here's hoping to D3, the first was good fun and D2 was one of the best ever. I just don't think it will be the Lich King, that seems so obvious and "blah" to me.

[nickdawgy]

I never got into WoW, its just like all other MMOs, grinding.

Understatement of the year.

[nickdawgy]

Here's the latest image. Notice the winking smiley face "rune"

http://img131.imageshack.us/img131/2185/ice5andahalfiw1.jpg

[nickdawgy]

It's Diablo III, looks like Gaming Steve was right.

[lordwow]

And the winner is:

http://www.blizzard.com/us/splash.html

[nickdawgy]

And the winner is:

http://www.blizzard.com/us/splash.html

too slow haha

[Fandango]

http://eu.blizzard.com/diablo3/

Gameplay footage link is on here.

[lordwow]

New class is the witch doctor. Pretty cool.

[taffer]

The gameplay footage looks awesome. One small nitpick I have is that I wish the corpses of slain enemies didn't disappear. They stayed permanently before in the older games, and it was awesome to kill a legion of enemies and see the corpses all over the place.

Edited to add:

Just noticed on the FAQ on the Blizzard site that it says there will only be five character classes with the barbarian and witch doctor being the only two confirmed so far.

Five classes kind of sucks. I wish all the D2 classes would return, but that won't be possible. There will most likely be an expansion pack that adds new classes just like there was for D1 and D2, but five classes for the base game is disappointing.

Any speculation on what the other three classes will be?

I am guessing the necromancer will probably be gone since the witch doctor seems to have most of his powers. Necromancer was my favorite class too. I love raising armies of the undead.

I hope the druid comes back. That was my second favorite class. I am a werewolf fanatic.

A new class that I would really like to see would be some kind of vampire class. Playing as a vampire would pwn all.

[fumanstan]

I wish I was in Paris :(

Meanwhile, coolest CG candles EVER.

[CKMorpheus]

Diablo 3! Now Blizzard is 2 for 3 since I hate Warcraft. They've won me over again! Starcraft 2 and Diablo 3!

Now Blizzard, make a new IP and you may rival Valve as my favorite game developer! Don't forget digital distribution!

[edstein]

2011 can't come soon enough.

Liver, how does that Crow taste?

[fumanstan]

Diablo 3! Now Blizzard is 2 for 3 since I hate Warcraft. They've won me over again! Starcraft 2 and Diablo 3!

Now Blizzard, make a new IP and you may rival Valve as my favorite game developer! Don't forget digital distribution!

Heh, the Blizzard Store is already set up for digital distribution now, at least with the older games. You can create an account, enter in your CD-Key, and download any of the previous games. D2 wasn't available before but is now.

[CKMorpheus]

Heh, the Blizzard Store is already set up for digital distribution now, at least with the older games. You can create an account, enter in your CD-Key, and download any of the previous games. D2 wasn't available before but is now.

Really?! I gotta find my Diablo 2 and Starcraft cases.

[popatlaal]

Gameplay Video
<object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vn00tHnNwn8"> </param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vn00tHnNwn8" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"> </embed> </object>

Continued..
<object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nk1NLdhBqEA"> </param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nk1NLdhBqEA" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"> </embed> </object>

[DVDsAreMyLIFE]

God it looks soo amazing.

[DVDsAreMyLIFE]

2011 can't come soon enough.

Liver, how does that Crow taste?


Where did you hear 2011?

[shizawn]

I want to play this game now.

[bee_01]

Where did you hear 2011?

This is Blizzard. 2011 sounds about right.

[fumanstan]

Who said PC gaming is dying? :p

[Setzer]

Looks fucking awesome. Gonna go pre-order the CE now. :p

[edstein]

Where did you hear 2011?

I was trying to be optimistic.

[keyed]

I would be more excited for D3 than another flipping MMO. I never got into WoW, its just like all other MMOs, grinding.
D2 defined grinding. Endless Cow, Baal, & Meph runs every 5 minutes... that's all that's left getting a char to a decent level.

D3 looks pretty, but I hope they come up with a cure for the endless grinding.

[DVDsAreMyLIFE]

D2 defined grinding. Endless Cow, Baal, & Meph runs every 5 minutes... that's all that's left getting a char to a decent level.

D3 looks pretty, but I hope they come up with a cure for the endless grinding.


Yea but WoW you had pay for and if you didn't keep up or play 12 hours a day you were screwed and left behind. At least in D2 you could play by yourself, I didnt mind the grinding in D2, was a lot more fun than WoW if you ask me.

[DVDsAreMyLIFE]

I was trying to be optimistic.


I think I will predict D3 comes out 1 year after SC2.

[flashburn]

Yea but WoW you had pay for and if you didn't keep up or play 12 hours a day you were screwed and left behind. At least in D2 you could play by yourself, I didnt mind the grinding in D2, was a lot more fun than WoW if you ask me.

Not quite sure I understand this one? What do you mean by screwed and left behind? You can progress at your own pace and there is tons of stuff to do solo. If you are getting left behind by your friends, well it sounds like you need to tell them to play less than 12 hours a day. WoW can be a very casual MMO if you don't want to bother with end game raiding. Even then, there are plenty of casual raiding guilds that only raid for a couple hours a night for a few days a week.

[DVDsAreMyLIFE]

Not quite sure I understand this one? What do you mean by screwed and left behind? You can progress at your own pace and there is tons of stuff to do solo. If you are getting left behind by your friends, well it sounds like you need to tell them to play less than 12 hours a day. WoW can be a very casual MMO if you don't want to bother with end game raiding. Even then, there are plenty of casual raiding guilds that only raid for a couple hours a night for a few days a week.

I haven't played in 2 years, I stopped around level 30 or so, got bored. When I was playing it was MUCH harder to solo, especially with certain characters. I am not gonna get into a debate about this because I really don't care. I would take D2 and hopefully D3 grinding over WoW any day, that is my point.

[flashburn]

I haven't played in 2 years, I stopped around level 30 or so, got bored. When I was playing it was MUCH harder to solo, especially with certain characters. I am not gonna get into a debate about this because I really don't care. I would take D2 and hopefully D3 grinding over WoW any day, that is my point.
Well your point is kind of moot since what you are stating isn't true any more. Even back at release soloing was never that difficult.

Anyway, definitely looking forward to Diablo 3. I really hope it comes out before 2010.

[bee_01]

Well your point is kind of moot since what you are stating isn't true any more. Even back at release soloing was never that difficult.

Anyway, definitely looking forward to Diablo 3. I really hope it comes out before 2010.

SC2 and Diablo 3 both being released in 2009....I don't see it happening.

[DVDsAreMyLIFE]

Well your point is kind of moot since what you are stating isn't true any more. Even back at release soloing was never that difficult.

Anyway, definitely looking forward to Diablo 3. I really hope it comes out before 2010.


Regardless I still would disagree with you on the ease of soloing. Maybe in the early levels but once you got later was a lot harder, especially depending on what type of character you were. You could level a lot easier with a Hunter than some others.

[DVDsAreMyLIFE]

SC2 and Diablo 3 both being released in 2009....I don't see it happening.


I agree, they wouldn't do this. They would want to capitalize on there profits and releasing 2 games, even if they are of a different genre close to each other wouldn't work well.

[flashburn]

Regardless I still would disagree with you on the ease of soloing. Maybe in the early levels but once you got later was a lot harder, especially depending on what type of character you were. You could level a lot easier with a Hunter than some others.

Maybe back at launch some classes, like Priests, Warriors, Paladins had a slower time levelling, wouldn't call it hard. Nowadays though those classes can all put out some pretty good amounts of damage and they level just as quick as most other classes if they are specced right.

[flashburn]

SC2 and Diablo 3 both being released in 2009....I don't see it happening.

Hmm, for some reason I assumed that Starcraft 2 was coming out at the end of the year.

[lordwow]

It was rumored to be released on Dec 3, 2008, but it looks like it will be in 2009 now.

[superdeluxe]

D2 defined grinding. Endless Cow, Baal, & Meph runs every 5 minutes... that's all that's left getting a char to a decent level.

D3 looks pretty, but I hope they come up with a cure for the endless grinding.


OMG.

Cow level runs. kill everything but make sure not to kill the king!

[Liver&Onions]

2011 can't come soon enough.

Liver, how does that Crow taste?

Not sure what you're talking about. I said "Diablo 3 Bitches!" months ago! ;)

[Kelkee]

The game looks absolutely brilliant so far. All the details they have put in are amazing. But if they dont secure the online play it will turn into what D2 is today.

There should be an entire realm dedicated to PvP only. One great big arena or something. Keep them out of the regular game.

The party system also needs to change. There should be a leader in the party and that leader should be able to boot any player out of the game at anytime. If I create a game I should have the ability to boot any player out of it. Or a voting system, if enough players in the party want you booted then out you go. This should also be flagged. If you are continually getting booted out of games Blizz should take action somehow.

Hopefully you can have more that 8 players per game this time. I'd like to see monsters that require 16 players to defeat it.

The loot system should be interesting to see how they dole it out. You should have assigned drops that drop based on your stats that only you can pick up.

HD graphics please.

[Groucho]

The loot system should be interesting to see how they dole it out. You should have assigned drops that drop based on your stats that only you can pick up.Yes! This would solve a lot of problems. Just about every game since D2 has implemented something along these lines, so I'd be shocked if D3 maintained the "free for all" system.

[DVDsAreMyLIFE]

Hopefully you can have more that 8 players per game this time. I'd like to see monsters that require 16 players to defeat it.

.


No, they need to keep the party system small. 8 is perfect, I do not want this turning into WoW again (sorry to keep bringing this up) where it is required to have 40 people on at once to defeat someone. Casual is key.

[DVDsAreMyLIFE]

Yes! This would solve a lot of problems. Just about every game since D2 has implemented something along these lines, so I'd be shocked if D3 maintained the "free for all" system.


Love the classic days of joining someones party to try and get some awesome weapon and the second it drops you grab it and log off.

[Kelkee]

No, they need to keep the party system small. 8 is perfect, I do not want this turning into WoW again (sorry to keep bringing this up) where it is required to have 40 people on at once to defeat someone. Casual is key.

There has to be some proper scaling method for beating the hardest monsters on the most difficult level of play. Balance is key.

If you only casually play then your loot should reflect that. The more and BETTER you play, the better loot should drop. Dont know how they would track this but just putting hours and hours in isnt enough. You could sit there and do nothing (fishing for ex.) for hours and hours and qualify for good loot. But if it was tied to both hours of play and style of play then that would be better.

Get rid of the randomness and start tying loot to how you play, and how much you play, and what you do while you are playing, and who you are playing with.

[Groucho]

One thing I'd like to see in multiplayer is points in the story where you have to split up the party in order to complete certain objectives. In D2, you'd see a lot of occasions where people would just tag along and not contribute. This would force them to step up their game -- and it would add some variety to the game.

[Kelkee]

Love the classic days of joining someones party to try and get some awesome weapon and the second it drops you grab it and log off.

Dont know if you are serious here or not. But either way this only encourages the worst playstyles and selfishness. And you see how well that turned out for D2 now? Its a bot filled, cheating, PK-fest. The good/great players are loooooooog gone.

Isnt it interesting that when Blizzard decided to be "hands-off" on these types of things where players are left to their own choices the game turned out this way? The good players that actually want to play the game should not have to tolerate this mess in D3.

I believe they have left D2 as it is so they can see exactly how these cheaters operate, and incorporate new security into D3.

[Kelkee]

One thing I'd like to see in multiplayer is points in the story where you have to split up the party in order to complete certain objectives. In D2, you'd see a lot of occasions where people would just tag along and not contribute. This would force them to step up their game -- and it would add some variety to the game.

That would be interesting. Having party specific quests.

I hated when party members did nothing but fire off a few shots and then steal loot. Thats why there should be a tool to boot people out of your game.

[edstein]

That would be interesting. Having party specific quests.

I hated when party members did nothing but fire off a few shots and then steal loot. Thats why there should be a tool to boot people out of your game.

Then the problem is asshat party leaders that boot their whole team after they beat a boss and he gets all the loot.

[lordwow]

Well it isn't that hard to institute a voting system.

[Kelkee]

Then the problem is asshat party leaders that boot their whole team after they beat a boss and he gets all the loot.

There are going to be players who do not want to play fairly or who just want to hose people for fun. Right now the good players have no recourse but to put up with it or not play.

There just needs to be better tools available so legit players can play properly w/o having to put up with idiotic gameplay.

Every version so far of online Diablo play has turned into a haven for bots, spammers, cheaters, and hacks.

[DVDsAreMyLIFE]

Dont know if you are serious here or not. But either way this only encourages the worst playstyles and selfishness. And you see how well that turned out for D2 now? Its a bot filled, cheating, PK-fest. The good/great players are loooooooog gone.

Isnt it interesting that when Blizzard decided to be "hands-off" on these types of things where players are left to their own choices the game turned out this way? The good players that actually want to play the game should not have to tolerate this mess in D3.

I believe they have left D2 as it is so they can see exactly how these cheaters operate, and incorporate new security into D3.

That is not cheating, it is just knowing how to play the game. Same with PKing, can't help it is allowed. You can't bash the players because these things are allowed. Now actual cheating I would condemn, using bots or whatever.

I think the good/great players are the ones who know how to use the game to there advantage. After all, once you have been through the game twice or more, it isn't about the story anymore, its about you.

[DVDsAreMyLIFE]

There are going to be players who do not want to play fairly or who just want to hose people for fun. Right now the good players have no recourse but to put up with it or not play.

There just needs to be better tools available so legit players can play properly w/o having to put up with idiotic gameplay.

Every version so far of online Diablo play has turned into a haven for bots, spammers, cheaters, and hacks.

That is because Blizzard doesnt actively monitor or get rid of cheaters anymore. Why would they on a game that is 8 years old that does not make them money anymore? When it first came out it was pretty free of cheating or bots on the secure stuff. If they did catch someone they were removed pretty quickly.

But like I said above you cannot bash the people who know how to play the game as it was designed. Bash Blizzard, not the player.

[xmiyux]

Bash Blizzard, not the player.

So is this a VGTalk version of "don't hate the playa, hate the game"

:lol:


Either way, it is like Xbox Live. You will always have people who want to trash talk and play unfairly. Hopefully, like Live, these folks can gather in the Underground and harass one another. Or i can leave feedback so i don't have to play with those folks again.

[pinata242]

http://www.duelinganalogs.com/comics/2008-06-30.png

[Kelkee]

I think the good/great players are the ones who know how to use the game to there advantage. After all, once you have been through the game twice or more, it isn't about the story anymore, its about you.

True. After the 3rd time thru you should know what you are doing. You should be focused on your play style and skills and getting better loot. But we all know the game is really about finding the best loot, not about killing monsters. Monsters just provide you a means to getting the loot. They are just in the way really and the faster you can get rid of them the faster you can get your loot.

You really dont even need to build up your skills. Loot gives you pluses to everything. I had several chars that I never even used all their skill points on. There was no point really. The loot gave you all the bonuses you needed.

This is something they need to rebalance in D3.

Not sure what you mean by "using" the game.

Finding secrets and easter eggs is one thing. Making maphacks, taking advantage of flaws in code, trying to trick the game etc. is something else.

[Liver&Onions]

Apparently, there still might be more to come... just got this in my inbox:
around 4:30 I guess something is said about unannounced stuff, i didn't check it though.

http://trailer.onlinewelten.com/videos,id4103,blizzard_interview_with_rob_pardo.html

[Ginwen]

I played D2 90+% of the time in password protected games. The few times I didn't I met enough people that weren't dicks that we added to our password protected game. Therefore, didn't have any of the issues with cheaters, pkers, etc.

When I did play in an open game, it was obvious in about 10 seconds if people were dicks, and I left.

I did leave after a bit anyway because at some point you've made every type of character, and you're just killing the same stuff over and over as fast as you can to try for a good drop. It was fun till then though, and I don't need one game I can play forever, so I can hardly wait for D3.

[fumanstan]

Apparently, there still might be more to come... just got this in my inbox:
around 4:30 I guess something is said about unannounced stuff, i didn't check it though.

http://trailer.onlinewelten.com/videos,id4103,blizzard_interview_with_rob_pardo.html

Not much, just that there's another team working on an unannounced game and Diablo 3 isn't the next-gen MMO that Blizz is hiring for.

[Kelkee]

I did leave after a bit anyway because at some point you've made every type of character, and you're just killing the same stuff over and over as fast as you can to try for a good drop. It was fun till then though, and I don't need one game I can play forever, so I can hardly wait for D3.

Im looking forward to the initial experience. Its going to be great initially. But what they intend to do to keep the long term play viable will be interesting.

Once you complete the storyline the thrill of hunting for treasure only lasts so long. And since everyone did this to death in D2, D3 needs to add something more.

[superdeluxe]

You really dont even need to build up your skills. Loot gives you pluses to everything. I had several chars that I never even used all their skill points on. There was no point really. The loot gave you all the bonuses you needed.

.

True story.

I had 2 characters pretty much through DII.

My main character..then my MF character :D

[Kelkee]

True story.

I had 2 characters pretty much through DII.

My main character..then my MF character :D

True. I think at the end of its run just about every one in D2 had a MF character and about 10 mules. Heh!

[superdeluxe]

True. I think at the end of its run just about every one in D2 had a MF character and about 10 mules. Heh!


For some reason, loot grinding in D2 was much more rewarding for me than it was in WOW.

Maybe it was the time investment? I could do 2-3 runs of the major bosses and cow level in like a hour. Baal, diablo, meph and moo.

[DVDsAreMyLIFE]

For some reason, loot grinding in D2 was much more rewarding for me than it was in WOW.

Maybe it was the time investment? I could do 2-3 runs of the major bosses and cow level in like a hour. Baal, diablo, meph and moo.


I agree, but for me it was because it was at a much faster pace. Like you said.

[Kelkee]

For some reason, loot grinding in D2 was much more rewarding for me than it was in WOW.

Maybe it was the time investment? I could do 2-3 runs of the major bosses and cow level in like a hour. Baal, diablo, meph and moo.

Yes. Its a more casual game. Its takes the best parts of an RPG and presents them in an arcade style. Fighting foes and getting good loot. The character builds are just there for variety and added depth.

The fun of the Diablo game is smashing up stuff and getting rewards.

MMORPG's take alot of time investment. There is too much 'work' to do to get to the fun/good stuff.

[nemein]

User Friendly is having some fun w/ this :D

www.userfriendly.org
http://www.userfriendly.org/cartoons/archives/08jun/uf011630.gif

http://www.userfriendly.org/cartoons/archives/08jul/uf011701.gif

[DVDsAreMyLIFE]

rotfl


I am waiting for Penny-Arcade to come out with there D3 comics.

[Kelkee]

Any ideas on what the other classes will be?

Male and female version so far:
Barbarian/Barbarianess? (or Amazon?)
Witch Doctor/Witch Doctress?

Probably will be a magic caster of some kind: Sorcerer/Sorceress.
A Knight of some kind. ?/?
And hopefully the return of the Necromancer/Necromancess?. One of the best classes in the game.

BTW just what is the difference between a Witch and a Sorceress? The style of dress?

[DVDsAreMyLIFE]

Any ideas on what the other classes will be?

Male and female version so far:
Barbarian/Barbarianess? (or Amazon?)
Witch Doctor/Witch Doctress?

Probably will be a magic caster of some kind: Sorcerer/Sorceress.
A Knight of some kind. ?/?
And hopefully the return of the Necromancer/Necromancess?. One of the best classes in the game.

BTW just what is the difference between a Witch and a Sorceress? The style of dress?


I think it is gonna be at least another amazon type character. I doubt there will be a necromancer because of the witch doctor. I hated the necro with a passion. They need to the paladin. I am gonna say the three other classes will be:

Paladin/Knight
Amazon type character
Good mage/sorcerer

[Numes]

Holy shit. It's obvious I'm out of the loop, but I just found out today that Diablo III is coming out. Diablo II was my absolute favorite non-single player PC game ever. If it is equally as good as Diablo II, I will be very happy.

There goes any substantial DVD watching for about 4 months.

AND THE HEAVENS SHALL TREMBLE!

[Kelkee]

I think it is gonna be at least another amazon type character.
The problem with that is the male version of an Amazon is.......? A barbarian is it not?
I loved the Amazon but I never played the archer skills. I always used the javelin skills. Loved the poison javazon.

I doubt there will be a necromancer because of the witch doctor. I hated the necro with a passion.
That does concern me about the witch doc. But hes not a full necro and that may not appease the necro lovers. Will see how they flesh out his skills and such. The locusts spell is just hilarious to me.

The necro was a character you either loved or hated. Once I became aware of how powerful he was he was awesome. Controlling an entire party of skels or undead was sweet. You could just sit back and watch them unleash mayhem.

They need to the paladin. I am gonna say the three other classes will be:

Paladin/Knight
Amazon type character
Good mage/sorcerer

Definately agree on a Knight class and mage class.

Another class that would work would be a Monk to replace the assassin. The assassin was a neat idea until I started playing her. Then she just felt out of place in the Diablo world. If she had been more ancient/classic Ninja I think she would have been more in character with the Diablo universe. Instead it felt like they dropped in a leftover from the Street Fighter series.

[xmiyux]

The assassin was my favorite class. I had leveled up a pretty rockin' assassin. :D

[edstein]

I played through as a Paladin and then when the expansion came out I played though again as an Assassin.

[taffer]

The three most basic classes for any swords-n-sorcery game are a melee fighter, a ranged fighter, and a pure wizard. All other classes are in essence mixtures of these three base classes.

The barbarian covers the melee fighter class.
The amazon would be the ranged fighter, but there is the problem stated by another poster that a male amazon doesn't make sense. Bringing back the rogue class from D1 would make more sense.
Of course, there just has to be a pure wizard or sorcerer. D1 and D2 both had them.

The witch doctor is a new class that will most likely replace the necromancer.
I think the fifth class will probably be another brand new class, so that we have three oldies and two newbies.

So my guess for classes in D3:

1) barbarian
2) rogue or some other ranged fighter
3) wizard or sorcerer
4) witch doctor
5) new class.... I am hoping for a vampiric class personally.

I am guessing there will later be an expansion that adds two or three more classes as well. D1 and D1 both had expansions that did this.

[DVDsAreMyLIFE]

The three most basic classes for any swords-n-sorcery game are a melee fighter, a ranged fighter, and a pure wizard. All other classes are in essence mixtures of these three base classes.

The barbarian covers the melee fighter class.
The amazon would be the ranged fighter, but there is the problem stated by another poster that a male amazon doesn't make sense. Bringing back the rogue class from D1 would make more sense.
Of course, there just has to be a pure wizard or sorcerer. D1 and D2 both had them.

The witch doctor is a new class that will most likely replace the necromancer.
I think the fifth class will probably be another brand new class, so that we have three oldies and two newbies.

So my guess for classes in D3:

1) barbarian
2) rogue or some other ranged fighter
3) wizard or sorcerer
4) witch doctor
5) new class.... I am hoping for a vampiric class personally.

I am guessing there will later be an expansion that adds two or three more classes as well. D1 and D1 both had expansions that did this.

I am also hoping for a new class, but I could see it going both ways. They keep the old school classes because thats the ones everyone likes or are use to and then when they release expansion 1, 2, 3, etc they add the new classes.

[Kelkee]

I'm also hoping that they alter the skills/abilities and skill tree somewhat for each gender. If its just a visual change then they are missing some details there I think.

A female would think, learn, adapt, and react differently than her male counterpart. The skills/abilities and trees should reflect that.

[Kelkee]

5) new class.... I am hoping for a vampiric class personally.

I know its silly but every time someone mentions a vampire class I immediately think of either Dracula, Count Chocula, or The Count.

[DVDsAreMyLIFE]

I know its silly but every time someone mentions a vampire class I immediately think of either Dracula, Count Chocula, or The Count.


1 class...ha ha ha...2 classes...ha ha ha...3 classes...ha ha ha...4 classes...ha ha ha...5 classes...ha ha ha, yes 5 classes.

[DVDsAreMyLIFE]

I'm also hoping that they alter the skills/abilities and skill tree somewhat for each gender. If its just a visual change then they are missing some details there I think.

A female would think, learn, adapt, and react differently than her male counterpart. The skills/abilities and trees should reflect that.


That would be pretty sweet.

[orangecrush]

I am so conflicted about this. On one hand I am so excited about the prospect of another Diablo game. On the other hand, I don't have anywhere close to the amount of free time I had when I last played Diablo 2. I was so obsessed with the game. I am afraid I will be sucked in again.

[DVD Polizei]

Bring it on, baby! :banana:

Time to dust off my Diablo 2 gift set.

[DVDsAreMyLIFE]

Bring it on, baby! :banana:

Time to dust off my Diablo 2 gift set.


All my friends got back into it since it was announced. I just can't bring myself to play again. I am gonna wait until D3 comes out I think. I still have a stack of games to play.

[DVD Polizei]

Wasn't there a mod to display Diablo 2 at 1600x1200 or something?

I hear yah on the play time. I can still remember playing Diablo 2 and the Desert area was such a pain in the ass. Not to mention the amazon rainforest pigmy maps.

[DVDsAreMyLIFE]

This is a pretty funny article

The Internet Hates Diablo 3 (http://www.**************.com/d/news/diablo-hate-internet.php?page=1)

[edstein]

Dead link.

[DVDsAreMyLIFE]

WTF, ahh it was auto removed, (must think I am spamming). It is on **************.com. It is currently on the front page but if not just search for "The Internet Hates Diablo 3"

[Numes]

This is a pretty funny article

The Internet Hates Diablo 3 (http://<i>Removed</i>/d/news/diablo-hate-internet.php?page=1)

That is a GREAT article. I felt just like that guy. I thought that everything I saw in the preview was great. I only found out AFTER that viewing that there was a big hoopla over the look of the game. I think it looks amazing and definitely doesn't look cartoony.

I can't really speak to the new class, though. I *usually* play as a Barbarian/Warrior/Fighter/Paladin when I play these types of games to start off with simply because I am familiar with that type of gameplay a lot more than Necros, etc..

[dom56]

I watch the gameplay footage of Diablo 3 off the latest PC Gamer magazine demo disc and I must say WOW!!. This game is going to be awesome, the graphics are amazing. They only show the barbarian and witch doctor so far and I'm definetly going to play the witch doctor, he such a bad ass character. Unfortunetly my computer is pretty much ancient right now and I don't think the game well run on my computer. Guess I be saving my money for a new one, but I got time since the game won't come out till 2011.

[fumanstan]

Kind of a cool timeline on the site.

http://www.blizzard.com/diablo3/world/timeline.xml

[fumanstan]

I got to play around with this at Blizzcon and enjoyed the small taste of the game that was available. I played through Diablo 1 way back when it was first released, and only played a smidgen of D2 so i'm not the biggest Diablo fan to compare games. Still, I had fun running through each of the 3 classes. The Barbarian was pretty straight forward and basic melee, so running around at level 5 was kind of boring, and the dude moves slow so it wasn't really anything unique.

The new Wizard class is pretty fun, with some fancy spell effects from the get go. Balance obviously wasn't really there, since she just powered through all the creeps without a problem but I really dug the abilities I got to try. The Witchdoctor is also really cool, and the spells were actually really fun just to see and play with, especially raising a pet and hitting it with either poison frogs or fire to give it that effect.

[edstein]

This will be the game that I upgrade my 5 year PC for. D2 is my number one favorite game of all time. D3 looks really good. I just hope we see it in 2009.