Diablo 3 Articles
Diablo IV has been hotly anticipated, though last year's disastrous Diablo Immortal reveal, as well as the controversies surrounding Blizzard due to their handling of their banning of Hearthstone Pro blitzchung after his pro-Hong Kong statements might have doused that anticipation a smidge. However, with Blizzcon coming up the first weekend in November, one of Blizzard's announcements may have been leaked early.
Just to get this out of the way..."Don't you have phones?" That said, it may interest some of you to know that Diablo 3's Season 17 will kick off on May 17th. Among the usual pursuit of achievements and Haedrig's Gift items for completing the season, players will find several big quality of life improvements including three additional Torment levels, a search function in player stashes, and Bounty indicators appearing as soon as a player enters a Bounty zone.
The latest Diablo 3 PTR patch notes have been posted that showcase a few interesting tidbits and some of the first "new" content in quite awhile. Notably, additional stash space has been allotted to players, Ancient or Primal Puzzle Rings used in Kanai's Cube will have a new result, Treasure Goblin portals may occasionally lead to an "udderly ridiculous" place and more.
In September of last year, Andy Cosby (Hellboy animated series) inadvertently leaked news of a Diablo animated series for Netflix for which he would be the showrunner. Since then, there has been tons of Diablo-related news, but nothing more has been said about the series. However, a new Diablo trademark registration has popped up that reads, "Downloadable films and movies featuring narratives based on a video game and provided via a video-on-demand service".
Blizzard has announced the release of the latest book in the Diablo series, this time a closer look at the bestiary in the long-running series. Called "The Book of Adria: A Diablo Bestiary", the tome is a fictionalized look at the research Adria -- one of the arch-villains in Diablo 3 and mother of Leah -- conducted of monstrous races over the years. "Equal parts a tome of lore and beautifully illustrated art book," the description reads. Certainly, it is a must-have for hardcore fans.
Diablo III players can log in to get started in Season 16, this time with the new "Ring of Grandeur" bonus. For the entire season, players will be able to leverage the ring's bonus that reduces the number of items needed for set bonuses by 1. As with seasons past, players can collect a number of cosmetic rewards and take part in seasonal conquests to collect a complete set of armor based on class.
From today through January 31st, Diablo 3 players can take part in the game's anniversary event called The Darkening of Tristram. The event pays homage to Diablo 1 by presenting players with a retro look and loot that is a fond callback to the original game. This includes the Godly Plate of the Whale and music from D1 that can still raise the hairs on the back of your neck.
The Diablo forums have a new post from the team that reminds fans and the community that more Diablo announcements will be coming in 2019. The post further reminds everyone about "multiple Diablo projects" in the works. Read the full post after the jump.
Kotaku is featuring a new article on the current status of the Diablo franchise in general, and the Diablo 4 development specifically. Eleven current and past Blizzard employees have spoken to the site on the condition of anonymity and have provided information about the canceled second Diablo 3 expansion, a Diablo 4 that's been started, cancelled and restarted as recently as 2016 and much more.
Blizzard has announced that a new Switch amiibo will be sold at Gamestop starting in December for $15.99. The Loot Goblin is the first-ever Blizzard amiibo, but at this point, we don't have any idea what it will do. According to Gamestop, it "opens up a portal in game". It's possible it will function similarly to Goblins that currently exist in the game that can occasionally open a Treasure Portal that can yield serious gold and items.
After the reveal of the Blizzcon 2018 schedule and seeing the prominent placement of Diablo following a keynote -- a "usual" sign that that is the "highlight" of the annual convention -- rumors and speculation have been flying about what could be coming next for Diablo. In a new, and between us, rather odd post on the Diablo site, the team seems to be asking fans to temper their expectations.
Blizzard is sending its Diablo 3 players and fans on a real world and virtual scavenger hunt that can yield some pretty sweet loot at the end including "one-of-a-kind artifacts" recreated by Volpin Props. Hunters will need to keep eyes on the Diablo 3 Twitter for clues where to go on the 'Net or in the real world in order to scan codes that unlock entries into the event's drawing. In addition to the prop artifacts, players can also win Nintendo Switch, collectibles and more.
The venue map for Blizzcon 2018 has been released that reveals an interesting tidbit. Last week, the internet went into a paroxysm of speculation about the fact that a Diablo panel would be held after the keynote address, a typical sign of a big announcement. However, looking at the venue map, one has to wonder. Of all of Blizzard's games, only Diablo lacks its own "space" with even Starcraft II taking up more room than what is perhaps the "centerpiece" of the show.
If you've been waiting to take Diablo III out on the road but have hesitated to purchase a Nintendo Switch, today's reveal of the themed bundle just may convince you to open up your wallet. Nintendo has partnered with Blizzard to bring a $360 bundle that includes a themed carrying case and dock alongside a digital download code for Diablo III: Eternal Collection.
Blizzard has published the Blizzcon schedule about a month ahead of the annual convention in Anaheim, California. In years past, the "focus" of the event is usually the panel that comes immediately following the keynote address. The opening remarks peek at what's happening in all of Blizzard's games, usually with the biggest announcement made last and then immediately followed by the first big panel. This year, that panel's space is occupied by Diablo.