At Blizzcon 2010, Blizzard first mentioned a closed beta test of the game and then spontaneously raffled 1000 beta keys among the visitors. And it wasn’t long, before more detailed information was published.
The beta test was to take place sometime in third quarter of 2011, in the period from July 1 to September 30. This was at least announced by Mike Morhaime, CEO of Blizzard Entertainment, at Mai 9, 2011, during “Activision Blizzard First Quarter Calendar 2011 Results Conference Call”.
Furthermore, an internal event is going to take place tomorrow, on July 27, 2011, to which Blizzard invited several representatives of dedicated Diablo 3 fan pages. There, they are introduced to the Diablo 3 beta and will be provided with additional information around the game.
Now a picture appeared at Battle.net which gives players hope that the Diablo 3 beta test is soon to start. It is a box art that clearly shows the Diablo 3 logo and below the word “BETA” in capital letters.
Referring to another statement by Blizzard, the beta will not take place, until all platforms, that the game will support, have been announced. The latter is to be announced at this year’s Gamescom which will be held next month, from August 17-21.
An exact release date is still unknown, but if a leaked product slate is to be believed, which should not be trusted too much, we probably may slay hordes of monsters by 4th quarter of 2011. Unfortunately, Mike Morhaime also has a suitable comment on this matter: “If Diablo 3 is not released in 2011, it certainly will be by 2012.”
We will probably not learn any new details until Blizzcon 2011.
