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{{Infobox video game
{{Infobox video games.<ref name="deckj">{{cite web|url=http://www.blizzard.com/diablo3/world/lore/journal.xml|title=Deckard's Journal - ''Diablo III''|work=[[Blizzard Entertainment]]|date=2008-06-28}}</ref> Diablo's world map is composed primarily of two main continents with several small islands in the Northwest region.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.diablo3release.com/images/diabloworldmapmap-fullsize.png |title=Diablo III World Map |publisher=Diablo 3 Release |date=2010-03-23 }}</ref>
| title = Diablo III
| image = [[File:DiabloSplash.JPG|250px]]
| caption = ''Diablo III'' website splash page
| picture format =
| developer = [[Blizzard Entertainment]]
| distributor = <!-- only add if distributor is different from publisher -->
| designer = Jay Wilson <small>(lead)</small><br />[[Leonard Boyarsky]] <small>(world design)</small>
| composer = [[Russell Brower]]<ref name="composer">{{cite web |title=Diablo III Preview |author=[[PC Gamer]] US |publisher=[[GamesRadar]] |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/pc/diablo-iii/preview/diablo-iii/a-20080801111854458065/g-2008063084756359080/p-2 |date=2008-08-01 |accessdate=2008-08-02}}</ref>
| series = ''[[Diablo (series)|Diablo]]''
| engine = in-house engine
| version = <!-- version field is for version of the game, not installment in the series -->
| released = TBA<ref name="blizz_faq">{{cite web|url=http://us.blizzard.com/diablo3/faq/#3_1|work=Diablo III - Frequently Asked Questions|title=When will Diablo III be released?|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|accessdate=2011-05-07|quote=It's too early to estimate Diablo III's release date.}}</ref>
| genre = [[Action role-playing game|Action role-playing]] ([[hack and slash]])
| modes = [[Single-player]] (over [[Battle.net]]), [[Online game|online multiplayer]] (over [[Battle.net]])
| ratings = <!-- Do Not Add anything here until ratings have been confirmed. Do not at RP or Not Yet Rated, as those aren't official ratings -->
| platforms = [[Microsoft Windows]], [[Mac OS X]]<ref name="blizz_press"/><ref name="diablo_con">{{cite press release|title=Diablo III Coming to Consoles|url=http://us.blizzard.com/en-us/company/careers/directory.html#region=Americas |date=20011-03-08|accessdate=2011-03-08|publisher=[[Blizzard Entertainment]]|archiveurl=http://thegamingliberty.com/index.php/2011/03/08/diablo-3-is-coming-to-consoles/|archivedate=2011-03-08}}</ref>
| media = [[DVD]], [[Digital Distribution]]{{citation needed|date=July 2011}}
| Requirements = (Not announced)
| input = [[keyboard (computing)|Keyboard]], [[mouse (computing)|mouse]]
}}


'''''Diablo III''''' is an upcoming [[dark fantasy]]/[[horror game|horror]]-themed [[action game|action]] [[role-playing game|role-playing]] game in development by [[Blizzard Entertainment|Blizzard]], making it the third installment in the [[Diablo (series)|''Diablo'' franchise]]. The game, which features elements of the [[hack and slash]] and [[dungeon crawl]] genres, was first announced on June 28, 2008, at the [[Blizzard Worldwide Invitational]] in Paris, France.<ref name="blizz_press">{{cite press release|title=Diablo III Unveiled|url=http://www.blizzard.com/us/press/080628.html |date=2008-06-28 |accessdate=2010-08-28 |publisher=[[Blizzard Entertainment]]|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080822031256/http://www.blizzard.com/us/press/080628.html|archivedate=2008-08-22}}</ref>

==Plot==

The game takes place in Sanctuary, the dark fantasy world of the ''Diablo'' series. This world was saved twenty years prior by a handful of unnamed heroes in ''[[Diablo II]]''. Warriors who, having survived the onslaught brought by the armies of the Burning Hells, have gone mad from their ordeals. It is up to a new generation of heroes to face the forces of evil threatening the world of Sanctuary.

Players will have the opportunity to explore familiar settings such as Tristram.

The only confirmed [[Non-player character|NPC]]s are Deckard Cain,<ref name="gamevid1" /> who has appeared in both of the previous games, and his stepdaughter, a new character that accompanies the hero in quests from time to time. Cain's journal on the official site brings the player up to speed on the events of the first two games.<ref name="deckj">{{cite web|url=http://www.blizzard.com/diablo3/world/lore/journal.xml|title=Deckard's Journal - ''Diablo III''|work=[[Blizzard Entertainment]]|date=2008-06-28}}</ref> Diablo's world map is composed primarily of two main continents with several small islands in the Northwest region.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.diablo3release.com/images/diabloworldmapmap-fullsize.png |title=Diablo III World Map |publisher=Diablo 3 Release |date=2010-03-23 }}</ref>

==Gameplay==
[[Image:Diablo-III-gameplay.jpg|thumb|left|''Diablo III's'' inventory and HUD will retain a feel similar to that found in earlier games in the series, including a viewpoint reminiscent of the [[isometric view]] of ''Diablo III's'' predecessors. The inventory has sixty slots for items. Armor and weaponry will each occupy two slots and all other items will each occupy one slot.<ref name="Diablo III Inventory">{{cite web|last=Wilson|first=Jay|title=Diablo|url=http://us.blizzard.com/diablo3/media/screenshots.xml#127|work=Blizzard Entertainment|publisher=Blizzard|accessdate=13 June 2011}}</ref>]]


''Diablo III'' is similar in style to its predecessor, ''Diablo II''. The proprietary engine will incorporate Blizzard's custom in-house physics, a change from the original usage of [[Havok (software)|Havok]]'s physics engine,<ref name="Bashiok_(community_manager)_response">{{cite web|url=http://forums.battle.net/thread.html?topicId=27508586515&postId=276049610831&sid=3000#45 |title=Battle.net - English Forums}}</ref> and feature destructible environments with an in-game damage effect. The developers are aiming to make the game run on a wide range of systems, and have stated that [[DirectX 10]] will not be required.<ref name="ign_developblog" /> ''Diablo III'' will use a custom 3D game engine<ref name="d3_faq">{{cite web|url=http://www.blizzard.com/diablo3/faq/ |title=Diablo III - Frequently Asked Questions |publisher=[[Blizzard Entertainment]]}}</ref> in order to present an overhead view to the player, in a somewhat similar way to the [[isometric projection|isometric]] view used in previous games in the series.<ref name="ign_developblog" /> Enemies will utilize the 3D environment as well, in ways such as crawling up the side of a wall from the depths into the combat area.<ref name="gamevid1">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamevideos.com/video/id/19701|title=Diablo III 'Classes' Gameplay (video)|work=GameVideos.com|date=2008-06-28}}</ref>

As in ''Diablo II'', multiplayer games will be possible using Blizzard's [[Battle.net]] service,<ref name="ign_live">{{cite web |author= |publisher=IGN |title=Live From Blizzard's Worldwide Invitational 2008
|date=2008-06-28 |accessdate =2008-08-26 |url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/884/884836p1.html}}</ref> with many of the new features developed for ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty|StarCraft II]]'' also available in ''Diablo III''.<ref name="ign_developblog">{{cite web |title=Diablo III Gameplay Panel Live Blog |author=Charles Onyett |publisher=IGN |url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/885/885126p1.html |date=2008-06-28 |accessdate=2008-06-28}}</ref> Players will be able to drop in and out of sessions of co-operative play with others.<ref name="eurogamer_announce">{{cite web |title=Blizzard announces Diablo III |author=Oli Welsh |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=162055 |publisher=[[Eurogamer]] |date=2008-06-28 |accessdate=2008-06-28}}</ref>

An enhanced quest system, a random level generator, and a random encounter generator are slated for use in order to ensure the game provides different experiences when replayed.<ref name="blizz_press" /> Overall, the game will include both static and randomly generated levels.<ref name="eurogamer_announce" /> Additionally, there will be class-specific quests to go along with the main storyline quests.<ref>{{Cite document|url=http://www.blizzard.com/diablo3/faq/#1_10|title=Diablo III - Frequently Asked Questions|publisher=[[Blizzard Entertainment]]|accessdate=2009-04-19}}</ref> Blizzard originally planned to have in-game cutscenes,<ref name=devvideo /> but decided these would divert from the gameplay and decided against them. Three new armor pieces will be available: shoulder plates, arm-guards and leggings.

Unlike previous iterations, gold can be picked up merely by touching it, rather than having to manually pick it up.<ref name=devvideo>''Diablo III'' Developer Video, [http://www.blizzard.com/diablo3/?rhtml=y Official site]</ref> One of the new features intended to speed gameplay is that [[Health (gaming)|health]] orbs drop from enemies, replacing the need to have a potion bar, which itself is replaced by a skill bar that allows a player to assign quick bar buttons to skills and spells; previously, players could only assign two skills (one for each mouse button) and had to swap skills with the keyboard. Players can still assign specific attacks to mouse buttons.<ref name=devvideo />

Skill Runes, another new feature, are skill-modifying items that are randomly dropped by monsters and used across all classes. Similar to runes in ''Diablo II'' but instead of changing equippable items, they can be attached to skills as though they are items, often completely changing the gameplay of each skill.<ref>{{cite web|last=Breckon |first=Nick |url=http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/55258 |title=ShackNews 19 May 2009, retrieved on 2009-19-05 |publisher=Shacknews.com |date= |accessdate=2009-05-21}}</ref> Skill Runes also have the ability to make one particular spell in each class more powerful, and give the player options as to how the rune will enhance a particular spell. For example, investing Skill Runes on the Wizard's "Lightning" can allow the players to make the lightning jump onto additional enemies, or, alternatively, adding the runes with explosion effect blows the enemy up and causes damage to the surrounding area.<ref>{{cite web|author=Gamephoton |url=http://www.gamephoton.com/diablo_3.htm |title=Gamephoton 19 May 2009, retrieved on 2009-19-05 |publisher=Gamephoton.com |date= |accessdate=2011-05-08}}</ref>

===Artisans===
Artisans are NPCs who sell, craft, and enhance equipment. Three types of artisans can be acquired by completing a quest for each: a blacksmith, a mystic, and a jeweler. Artisans create items using materials the player can gather by scrapping acquired items and reducing them to their component parts. Unlike ''Diablo II'', rare and magic items can be enhanced, not just basic weaponry and armor. These materials are used to create items which will have random bonuses. Crafting can also be used to train and improve the skills of the artisans rather than create new items. When artisans gain new levels, their shop reflects their higher skill level. The process of salvaging items into materials also makes inventory management easier. Blizzard stated that this crafting system was designed so that it would not slow down the pace of the game.<ref name="artisans">{{cite web| url= http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q3-2010/082110a.html| title= Travel With the Caravan in Diablo III| work= RPGamer| date= 2010-08-21| author=Nathan Schlotan| accessdate= 2010-08-22}}</ref><ref name="artisan">{{cite web| url= http://diablo3releasenews.com/2010/diablo3releasenews/gamescom-diablo-iiis-artisan-system-revealed-pc-preview-at-ign| title= Diablo III’s Artisan System Revealed| work= Diablo 3 Release News| date= 2010-08-28| author=Charles Onyett| accessdate= 2010-09-12}}</ref>

=== Followers ===
Followers are NPC allies that travel with you while questing and fighting mobs. There are three types of followers in Diablo 3: the Templar, the Scoundrel and the Enchantress, each having their own skills and background.<ref name=followers>{{cite web|url=http://us.blizzard.com/diablo3/world/systems/followers.xml|title=Diablo III - Followers}}</ref> As followers fight alongside the player, they gain new skills, experience and equipment as they level up. Only one follower accompanies the player at a time, creating a gameplay strategy decision. Followers are only available in normal, single-player mode. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nowgamer.com/features/1353/diablo-iii-interview-jay-wilson-talks-followers?o=3#listing/|title=Jay Wilson confirms no Followers in co-op}}</ref>

==PvP Combat==
[[Player versus player]] has been implemented in Diablo III using unique arenas designed with differing amounts of terrain and cover. Players participate in PvP choosing from their existing characters, with access to all of the gear and skill they have gathered from playing the game in [[Single-player video game|single player]] or [[Cooperative gameplay|cooperative]] mode. There will be both ranked and unranked gametypes. When participating in ranked games ('best of' match series), players will earn points for advancement based on how many kills they acquire throughout matches, accomplished objectives, victories. The points earned lead to [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]] [[Achievement (video gaming)|achievements]], titles, and other rewards.<ref name="Diablo III PvP">{{cite web|last=Wilson|first=Jay|title=Diablo III PvP Section|url=http://us.blizzard.com/diablo3/world/systems/pvp.xml|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|accessdate=13 June 2011}}</ref>

==Character classes==
[[Image:Diablo III Character Classes.JPG|thumb|250px|The five character classes of ''Diablo III''.<br /><sup>L-R</sup> Wizard, Witch Doctor, Demon Hunter, Barbarian and Monk]]
There will be five available [[character class]]es.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blizzard.com/diablo3/faq/#1_2 |title=FAQ Which characters will be in Diablo III? |publisher=Blizzard.com |date= |accessdate=2009-05-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://us.blizzard.com/diablo3/characters/ |title=Diablo III Character classes |publisher=Us.blizzard.com |date= |accessdate=2011-05-08}}</ref> In the previous two games, each class had a fixed gender, but in ''Diablo III'' players may choose the gender they would like to play.<ref name="gamevid1"/> Although Blizzard initially revealed only one gender per class, the alternate gender has been revealed slowly in the lead-up to the game's release.

* The '''Witch Doctor''' is a new character reminiscent of the Diablo II Necromancer, but with skills more traditionally associated with voodoo culture. The Witch Doctor has the ability to summon monsters, cast curses, harvest souls, and hurl poisons and explosives at his enemies. Blizzard has stated{{citation needed|date=July 2011}} that the Witch Doctor is not another version of the Necromancer and that they may incorporate the Necromancer in a future expansion if they so desire.
* The '''Barbarians''' will have a variety of revamped skills at their disposal based on the use of their incredible physical prowess. The Barbarian is able to whirlwind through crowds, cleave through swarms, leap across crags, and crush opponents upon landing.
* The '''Wizard''' is a version of the Sorceress from Diablo II or the Sorcerer from Diablo. The Wizard's abilities range from shooting lightning, fire and ice at their enemies to slowing time and teleporting around enemies and through walls.
* The '''Monk''' is a [[melee]] attacker, using [[martial arts]] to cripple foes, resist damage, deflect projectiles, attack with blinding speed, and land explosive killing blows. It combines the melee elements of Diablo II's Assassin class with the "holy warrior" role of the Paladin. Blizzard has stated that the Monk is not related in any way to the Monk class from the [[Sierra Entertainment]]-made ''[[Diablo: Hellfire]]'' expansion.<ref>{{cite web
* The '''Monk''' is a [[melee]] attacker, using [[martial arts]] to cripple foes, resist damage, deflect projectiles, attack with blinding speed, and land explosive killing blows. It combines the melee elements of Diablo II's Assassin class with the "holy warrior" role of the Paladin. Blizzard has stated that the Monk is not related in any way to the Monk class from the [[Sierra Entertainment]]-made ''[[Diablo: Hellfire]]'' expansion.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://forums.battle.net/thread.html?topicId=19381854055&pageNo=2#25
|urlgame)|Fallout]]''.<ref name="chrisremoblog">{{cite web|url=http://chrisremo.com/bloggin/2008/06/30/blizzard-mines-my-90s-era-gaming-memories/|author=Chris Remo|title=Blizzard mines my 90s-era gaming memories|publisher=Remowned|date=2008-06-30|accessdate=2008-07-01}}</ref>
|title= Lies about old classes? -Monk-
|author=Bashiok
|publisher=[[Blizzard Entertainment]]
|date=2009-08-24
|accessdate=2009-09-28
}}</ref>
* The '''Demon Hunter''' combines elements of Diablo II's Amazon and Assassin classes. Demon Hunters use crossbows as their main weapon and also throw small bombs at enemies. Some of their skills have been revealed and among them are arrow skills such as Chain Arrow.

The Archivist class was presented on April 1, 2009, following in Blizzard's [[April Fool's Day]] joke tradition.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blizzard.com/diablo3/characters/archivist.xml |title=Diablo III - Archivist |publisher=Blizzard.com |date= |accessdate=2011-05-08}}</ref>

==Development==
[[Image:DiabloIII cain.jpg|thumb|middle|Deckard Cain speaking to a barbarian player in an in-engine cutscene.]]

Development on ''Diablo III'' began in 2001 when [[Blizzard North]] was still in operation. The original artistic design differed from that shown at Blizzard Worldwide Invitational 2008 demonstration, and had undergone three revisions before reaching the standards felt necessary by the team behind ''Diablo III''.

''Diablo III'''s lead designer is Jay Wilson, a former [[Relic Entertainment]] designer credited with work on ''[[Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War]]'' and ''[[Company of Heroes]]'' as well as ''[[Blood II: The Chosen]]'' for [[Monolith Productions]]. Its lead world designer is [[Leonard Boyarsky]], one of the six co-creators of ''[[Fallout (video game)|Fallout]]''.<ref name="chrisremoblog">{{cite web|url=http://chrisremo.com/bloggin/2008/06/30/blizzard-mines-my-90s-era-gaming-memories/|author=Chris Remo|title=Blizzard mines my 90s-era gaming memories|publisher=Remowned|date=2008-06-30|accessdate=2008-07-01}}</ref>


The game is being planned for a simultaneous release on both [[Windows (operating system)|Windows]] and [[Mac OS X]] platforms. Blizzard is considering a concept design for consoles, reportedly even hiring staff for a console version,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/710556/diablo-3-console-rumors-escalate-as-blizzard-posts-job-listing-for-senior-producer-console-diablo-3/|title=Console rumours}}</ref> while stating this concept will not affect PC/Macintosh release dates.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-11-18/blizzard-seeking-china-approval-for-new-warcraft-correct-.html|title=Activision Expands `Diablo 3' Team to Develop Version for Games Consoles|author=Jun Yang|publisher=Bloomberg}}</ref>
The game is being planned for a simultaneous release on both [[Windows (operating system)|Windows]] and [[Mac OS X]] platforms. Blizzard is considering a concept design for consoles, reportedly even hiring staff for a console version,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/710556/diablo-3-console-rumors-escalate-as-blizzard-posts-job-listing-for-senior-producer-console-diablo-3/|title=Console rumours}}</ref> while stating this concept will not affect PC/Macintosh release dates.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-11-18/blizzard-seeking-china-approval-for-new-warcraft-correct-.html|title=Activision Expands `Diablo 3' Team to Develop Version for Games Consoles|author=Jun Yang|publisher=Bloomberg}}</ref>
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==Music==
==Music==
[[Russell Brower]] composed the music for ''Diablo III''. When composing for the orchestra, he tried to respect the [[Richard Wagner|Wagnerian]] style from the expansion to the second game in the series, [[Diablo II: Lord of Destruction#Music|''Lord of Destruction'']].<ref name="incgamers">{{cite web|url=http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/diablo-iiis-composer-speaks/|author=Flux|title=Diablo III’s Composer Speaks|publisher=incgamers.com|date=2009-03-31}}</ref> The Overture is considered the main theme of the game and it has been performed by the [[Eminence Symphony Orchestra]].<ref name="itunes">{{cite web|url=http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/diablo-iii-overture-single/id28
[[Russell Brower]] composed the music for ''Diablo III''. When composing for the orchestra, he tried to respect the [[Richard Wagner|Wagnerian]] style from the expansion to the second game in the series, [[Diablo II: Lord of Destruction#Music|''Lord of Destruction'']].<ref name="incgamers">{{cite web|url=http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/diablo-iiis-composer-speaks/|author=Flux|title=Diablo III’s Composer Speaks|publisher=incgamers.com|date=2009-03-31}}</ref> The Overture is considered the main theme of the game and it has been performed by the [[Eminence Symphony Orchestra]].<ref name="itunes">{{cite web|url=http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/diablo-iii-overture-single/id288860717|author=Flux|title=Diablo III Overture - Single, Russell Brower & The Eminence Symphony Orchestra|publisher=itunes.com|year=2009}}</ref> A similar composition was used in the cinematic [[teaser trailer]] of the game. <!-- Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qy31Kwd0gxI --> The Tristram theme from the first ''[[Diablo (video game)|Diablo]]'' videogame, also used in the [[Diablo II#Music|second game]], is present in ''Diablo III'' with few changes.

==References==
{{reflist|3}}

==External links==
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[[Category:Upcoming video games]]
[[Category:Upcoming video games]]


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Revision as of 19:44, 3 August 2011

Diablo III
File:DiabloSplash.JPG
Diablo III website splash page
Developer(s)Blizzard Entertainment
Designer(s)Jay Wilson (lead)
Leonard Boyarsky (world design)
Composer(s)Russell Brower[2]
SeriesDiablo
Enginein-house engine
Platform(s)Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X[3][4]
ReleaseTBA[1]
Genre(s)Action role-playing (hack and slash)
Mode(s)Single-player (over Battle.net), online multiplayer (over Battle.net)

Diablo III is an upcoming dark fantasy/horror-themed action role-playing game in development by Blizzard, making it the third installment in the Diablo franchise. The game, which features elements of the hack and slash and dungeon crawl genres, was first announced on June 28, 2008, at the Blizzard Worldwide Invitational in Paris, France.[3]

Plot

The game takes place in Sanctuary, the dark fantasy world of the Diablo series. This world was saved twenty years prior by a handful of unnamed heroes in Diablo II. Warriors who, having survived the onslaught brought by the armies of the Burning Hells, have gone mad from their ordeals. It is up to a new generation of heroes to face the forces of evil threatening the world of Sanctuary.

Players will have the opportunity to explore familiar settings such as Tristram.

The only confirmed NPCs are Deckard Cain,[5] who has appeared in both of the previous games, and his stepdaughter, a new character that accompanies the hero in quests from time to time. Cain's journal on the official site brings the player up to speed on the events of the first two games.[6] Diablo's world map is composed primarily of two main continents with several small islands in the Northwest region.[7]

Gameplay

File:Diablo-III-gameplay.jpg
Diablo III's inventory and HUD will retain a feel similar to that found in earlier games in the series, including a viewpoint reminiscent of the isometric view of Diablo III's predecessors. The inventory has sixty slots for items. Armor and weaponry will each occupy two slots and all other items will each occupy one slot.[8]


Diablo III is similar in style to its predecessor, Diablo II. The proprietary engine will incorporate Blizzard's custom in-house physics, a change from the original usage of Havok's physics engine,[9] and feature destructible environments with an in-game damage effect. The developers are aiming to make the game run on a wide range of systems, and have stated that DirectX 10 will not be required.[10] Diablo III will use a custom 3D game engine[11] in order to present an overhead view to the player, in a somewhat similar way to the isometric view used in previous games in the series.[10] Enemies will utilize the 3D environment as well, in ways such as crawling up the side of a wall from the depths into the combat area.[5]

As in Diablo II, multiplayer games will be possible using Blizzard's Battle.net service,[12] with many of the new features developed for StarCraft II also available in Diablo III.[10] Players will be able to drop in and out of sessions of co-operative play with others.[13]

An enhanced quest system, a random level generator, and a random encounter generator are slated for use in order to ensure the game provides different experiences when replayed.[3] Overall, the game will include both static and randomly generated levels.[13] Additionally, there will be class-specific quests to go along with the main storyline quests.[14] Blizzard originally planned to have in-game cutscenes,[15] but decided these would divert from the gameplay and decided against them. Three new armor pieces will be available: shoulder plates, arm-guards and leggings.

Unlike previous iterations, gold can be picked up merely by touching it, rather than having to manually pick it up.[15] One of the new features intended to speed gameplay is that health orbs drop from enemies, replacing the need to have a potion bar, which itself is replaced by a skill bar that allows a player to assign quick bar buttons to skills and spells; previously, players could only assign two skills (one for each mouse button) and had to swap skills with the keyboard. Players can still assign specific attacks to mouse buttons.[15]

Skill Runes, another new feature, are skill-modifying items that are randomly dropped by monsters and used across all classes. Similar to runes in Diablo II but instead of changing equippable items, they can be attached to skills as though they are items, often completely changing the gameplay of each skill.[16] Skill Runes also have the ability to make one particular spell in each class more powerful, and give the player options as to how the rune will enhance a particular spell. For example, investing Skill Runes on the Wizard's "Lightning" can allow the players to make the lightning jump onto additional enemies, or, alternatively, adding the runes with explosion effect blows the enemy up and causes damage to the surrounding area.[17]

Artisans

Artisans are NPCs who sell, craft, and enhance equipment. Three types of artisans can be acquired by completing a quest for each: a blacksmith, a mystic, and a jeweler. Artisans create items using materials the player can gather by scrapping acquired items and reducing them to their component parts. Unlike Diablo II, rare and magic items can be enhanced, not just basic weaponry and armor. These materials are used to create items which will have random bonuses. Crafting can also be used to train and improve the skills of the artisans rather than create new items. When artisans gain new levels, their shop reflects their higher skill level. The process of salvaging items into materials also makes inventory management easier. Blizzard stated that this crafting system was designed so that it would not slow down the pace of the game.[18][19]

Followers

Followers are NPC allies that travel with you while questing and fighting mobs. There are three types of followers in Diablo 3: the Templar, the Scoundrel and the Enchantress, each having their own skills and background.[20] As followers fight alongside the player, they gain new skills, experience and equipment as they level up. Only one follower accompanies the player at a time, creating a gameplay strategy decision. Followers are only available in normal, single-player mode. [21]

PvP Combat

Player versus player has been implemented in Diablo III using unique arenas designed with differing amounts of terrain and cover. Players participate in PvP choosing from their existing characters, with access to all of the gear and skill they have gathered from playing the game in single player or cooperative mode. There will be both ranked and unranked gametypes. When participating in ranked games ('best of' match series), players will earn points for advancement based on how many kills they acquire throughout matches, accomplished objectives, victories. The points earned lead to multiplayer achievements, titles, and other rewards.[22]

Character classes

The five character classes of Diablo III.
L-R Wizard, Witch Doctor, Demon Hunter, Barbarian and Monk

There will be five available character classes.[23][24] In the previous two games, each class had a fixed gender, but in Diablo III players may choose the gender they would like to play.[5] Although Blizzard initially revealed only one gender per class, the alternate gender has been revealed slowly in the lead-up to the game's release.

  • The Witch Doctor is a new character reminiscent of the Diablo II Necromancer, but with skills more traditionally associated with voodoo culture. The Witch Doctor has the ability to summon monsters, cast curses, harvest souls, and hurl poisons and explosives at his enemies. Blizzard has stated[citation needed] that the Witch Doctor is not another version of the Necromancer and that they may incorporate the Necromancer in a future expansion if they so desire.
  • The Barbarians will have a variety of revamped skills at their disposal based on the use of their incredible physical prowess. The Barbarian is able to whirlwind through crowds, cleave through swarms, leap across crags, and crush opponents upon landing.
  • The Wizard is a version of the Sorceress from Diablo II or the Sorcerer from Diablo. The Wizard's abilities range from shooting lightning, fire and ice at their enemies to slowing time and teleporting around enemies and through walls.
  • The Monk is a melee attacker, using martial arts to cripple foes, resist damage, deflect projectiles, attack with blinding speed, and land explosive killing blows. It combines the melee elements of Diablo II's Assassin class with the "holy warrior" role of the Paladin. Blizzard has stated that the Monk is not related in any way to the Monk class from the Sierra Entertainment-made Diablo: Hellfire expansion.[25]
  • The Demon Hunter combines elements of Diablo II's Amazon and Assassin classes. Demon Hunters use crossbows as their main weapon and also throw small bombs at enemies. Some of their skills have been revealed and among them are arrow skills such as Chain Arrow.

The Archivist class was presented on April 1, 2009, following in Blizzard's April Fool's Day joke tradition.[26]

Development

File:DiabloIII cain.jpg
Deckard Cain speaking to a barbarian player in an in-engine cutscene.

Development on Diablo III began in 2001 when Blizzard North was still in operation. The original artistic design differed from that shown at Blizzard Worldwide Invitational 2008 demonstration, and had undergone three revisions before reaching the standards felt necessary by the team behind Diablo III.

Diablo III's lead designer is Jay Wilson, a former Relic Entertainment designer credited with work on Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War and Company of Heroes as well as Blood II: The Chosen for Monolith Productions. Its lead world designer is Leonard Boyarsky, one of the six co-creators of Fallout.[27]

The game is being planned for a simultaneous release on both Windows and Mac OS X platforms. Blizzard is considering a concept design for consoles, reportedly even hiring staff for a console version,[28] while stating this concept will not affect PC/Macintosh release dates.[29]

On May 9, 2011 an announcement by Mike Morhaime was made that Diablo III is currently expected to be released for external beta testing in Q3 of 2011.[30]

On 1st August, 2011, it was reported that Diablo III will feature two types of auction houses; one where players spend in-game gold and another where players can buy or sell virtual items for real-world money.[31] The real money auction house will not be available in Hardcore mode.[32] It was also revealed that the game would require a constant internet connection to play, even for single-player mode.[33]

Music

Russell Brower composed the music for Diablo III. When composing for the orchestra, he tried to respect the Wagnerian style from the expansion to the second game in the series, Lord of Destruction.[34] The Overture is considered the main theme of the game and it has been performed by the Eminence Symphony Orchestra.[35] A similar composition was used in the cinematic teaser trailer of the game. The Tristram theme from the first Diablo videogame, also used in the second game, is present in Diablo III with few changes.

References

  1. ^ "When will Diablo III be released?". Diablo III - Frequently Asked Questions. Blizzard Entertainment. Retrieved 2011-05-07. It's too early to estimate Diablo III's release date.
  2. ^ PC Gamer US (2008-08-01). "Diablo III Preview". GamesRadar. Retrieved 2008-08-02.
  3. ^ a b c "Diablo III Unveiled" (Press release). Blizzard Entertainment. 2008-06-28. Archived from the original on 2008-08-22. Retrieved 2010-08-28.
  4. ^ "Diablo III Coming to Consoles" (Press release). Blizzard Entertainment. 20011-03-08. Archived from the original on 2011-03-08. Retrieved 2011-03-08. {{cite press release}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  5. ^ a b c "Diablo III 'Classes' Gameplay (video)". GameVideos.com. 2008-06-28.
  6. ^ "Deckard's Journal - Diablo III". Blizzard Entertainment. 2008-06-28.
  7. ^ "Diablo III World Map". Diablo 3 Release. 2010-03-23.
  8. ^ Wilson, Jay. "Diablo". Blizzard Entertainment. Blizzard. Retrieved 13 June 2011.
  9. ^ "Battle.net - English Forums".
  10. ^ a b c Charles Onyett (2008-06-28). "Diablo III Gameplay Panel Live Blog". IGN. Retrieved 2008-06-28.
  11. ^ "Diablo III - Frequently Asked Questions". Blizzard Entertainment.
  12. ^ "Live From Blizzard's Worldwide Invitational 2008". IGN. 2008-06-28. Retrieved 2008-08-26.
  13. ^ a b Oli Welsh (2008-06-28). "Blizzard announces Diablo III". Eurogamer. Retrieved 2008-06-28.
  14. ^ "Diablo III - Frequently Asked Questions" (Document). Blizzard Entertainment. {{cite document}}: Unknown parameter |accessdate= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |url= ignored (help)
  15. ^ a b c Diablo III Developer Video, Official site
  16. ^ Breckon, Nick. "ShackNews 19 May 2009, retrieved on 2009-19-05". Shacknews.com. Retrieved 2009-05-21.
  17. ^ Gamephoton. "Gamephoton 19 May 2009, retrieved on 2009-19-05". Gamephoton.com. Retrieved 2011-05-08.
  18. ^ Nathan Schlotan (2010-08-21). "Travel With the Caravan in Diablo III". RPGamer. Retrieved 2010-08-22.
  19. ^ Charles Onyett (2010-08-28). "Diablo III's Artisan System Revealed". Diablo 3 Release News. Retrieved 2010-09-12.
  20. ^ "Diablo III - Followers".
  21. ^ "Jay Wilson confirms no Followers in co-op".
  22. ^ Wilson, Jay. "Diablo III PvP Section". Blizzard Entertainment. Retrieved 13 June 2011.
  23. ^ "FAQ Which characters will be in Diablo III?". Blizzard.com. Retrieved 2009-05-21.
  24. ^ "Diablo III Character classes". Us.blizzard.com. Retrieved 2011-05-08.
  25. ^ Bashiok (2009-08-24). "Lies about old classes? -Monk-". Blizzard Entertainment. Retrieved 2009-09-28.
  26. ^ "Diablo III - Archivist". Blizzard.com. Retrieved 2011-05-08.
  27. ^ Chris Remo (2008-06-30). "Blizzard mines my 90s-era gaming memories". Remowned. Retrieved 2008-07-01.
  28. ^ "Console rumours".
  29. ^ Jun Yang. "Activision Expands `Diablo 3' Team to Develop Version for Games Consoles". Bloomberg.
  30. ^ Justin McElroy (2011-05-09). "Diablo 3 'external' beta coming Q3 2011". Joystiq. Retrieved 2011-05-19.
  31. ^ Mead, Derek (31 July 2011). "Diablo III to offer cash auctions, can't be played offline". Digital Trends. Retrieved 2 August 2011.
  32. ^ "Get Rich Playing Diablo III". IGN. 2011-08-01. Retrieved 2011-08-01.
  33. ^ "Diablo 3 cannot be played offline". IGN. 2011-08-01. Retrieved 2011-08-01.
  34. ^ Flux (2009-03-31). "Diablo III's Composer Speaks". incgamers.com.
  35. ^ Flux (2009). "Diablo III Overture - Single, Russell Brower & The Eminence Symphony Orchestra". itunes.com.
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