Blizzard has at very long last given a release date for the keenly anticipated dungeon crawler sequel Diablo 3, now set to arrive on Windows, Mac and PlayStation 3 on the 15th of May.
Some twelve years after the last instalment in the Diablo franchise, Blizzard has launched a "pre-purchase" of Diablo 3 for those desperate to hand over their money two months early.
"After many years of hard work by our development team and months of beta testing by hundreds of thousands of dedicated players around the world, we're now in the homestretch," said Blizzard boss Mike Morhaime
The company is also using the game to persuade World of Warcraft players to sign up for an annual pass which will give them a Diablo 3 download for free. Why it's almost like they're desperate to keep people playing the eight-year-old MMO.
Diablo 3 for PC and Mac will cost around US$60 for the physical and download versions. The inevitable Collector's Edition will bundle a 200-page Diablo 3 art book and a making-of Blu-ray and DVD set and will cost nearer $100.
One of the major new features of the sequel is Blizzard's attention to the online aspect of the game. Players will be able to buy and sell weapons, armor, and other valuable items in the auction house in exchange for in-game gold. The game has been in beta testing for several months as the famously perfectionist developer hones the cooperative multiplayer game.

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