IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Blizzard Entertainment announced today that the closed beta test for
Diablo® III, its highly anticipated sequel to the
best-selling Diablo action role-playing game series, has begun. The
company has started issuing the first wave of invitations to participate
in the testing process and is planning to add more participants over the
course of the beta test. While enjoying an early look at the game, beta
testers will provide valuable feedback as they help Blizzard
Entertainment test server stability and hardware.
In the Diablo III closed beta test, participants will be able to fight
their way through part of Act I as any of the five hero classes --
barbarian, witch doctor, wizard, monk, and demon hunter -- and go
head-to-skull against the Skeleton King, taking him on alone or playing
cooperatively with other adventurers. They'll also get to meet up with
some of the artisans, followers, and other key characters from
Sanctuary, and try out the game's skill and crafting systems.
"This closed beta test is an important milestone for us as we enter the
final stages of development on Diablo III," said Mike Morhaime, CEO and
cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. "Our goal is to create the best
action role-playing game experience to date, building on everything
we've learned since the release of Diablo II and incorporating the
powerful features of the new Battle.net® platform. We hope
players enjoy participating in the beta test and we look forward to
hearing their feedback."
Diablo III will continue the epic Diablo storyline, with players playing
their role in the ongoing struggle to save the world of Sanctuary from
the corrupting forces of the Burning Hells. Diablo III will also be the
definitive action role-playing game, with players adventuring through
rich and varied settings, engaging in combat with hordes of monsters and
challenging bosses, growing in experience and ability, and acquiring
items of incredible power. As the sequel to Diablo II, the game will
feature the easy-to-use interface, fast-paced action, and visceral
gameplay that Diablo players have come to expect and enjoy. Designed
from the ground up to leverage the power of Battle.net, Diablo III will
also provide gamers with industry-leading matchmaking and communication
tools; convenient character- and inventory-management options; and the
Diablo III auction house, which will support a robust player-driven
economy.
Diablo III will be localized and released in multiple languages;
however, the beta will be English-only. Release timing and
region-specific details such as pricing and supported languages will be
announced at a later date. For more information on Diablo III, please
visit the official website at http://us.blizzard.com/diablo3/.
To set up a Battle.net account and sign up for a chance to participate
in the Diablo III beta test, please visit the official Battle.net
website at http://www.battle.net.
About Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.
Best known for blockbuster hits including World of Warcraft® and the
Warcraft®, StarCraft®, and Diablo® series, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. (www.blizzard.com),
a division of Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ: ATVI), is a premier developer
and publisher of entertainment software renowned for creating some of
the industry's most critically acclaimed games. Blizzard Entertainment's
track record includes eleven #1-selling games and multiple Game of the
Year awards. The company's online-gaming service, Battle.net®, is one of
the largest in the world, with millions of active players.
Blizzard Entertainment
Lisa Jensen
Vice President, Global PR
949-854-6200
dir
949-854-7900 fax
ljensen@blizzard.com
or
Rob
Hilburger
PR Director
949-955-1380, x13228 dir
949-854-7900
fax
rhilburger@blizzard.com
or
Shon
Damron
PR Manager
949-955-1380 x12508 dir
949-854-7900 fax
sdamron@blizzard.com
Source: Blizzard Entertainment
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