If you’ve whetted your appetite for Diablo III gameplay by watching uploaded video footage from the family and friends closed beta period which began earlier this month, it’s time to check your inbox. Blizzard Entertainment announced today that the public closed beta test for Diablo III is now officially under way, with the first wave of invitations already sent out.
The closed beta test allows players to fight their way through part of Act I of the game as any of the five hero classes: barbarian, witch doctor, wizard, monk, and demon hunter. The beta ends after you defeat the first boss of the game, the Skeleton King. Also included with the closed beta are opportunities to try the game’s skill and crafting systems.
Blizzard has updated the game with matchmaking and communication tools; improved character- and inventory-management options; and the auction house, all of which will be available for testing during the closed beta.
“This closed beta test is an important milestone for us as we enter the final stages of development on Diablo III,” said Blizzard CEO Mike Morhaime. “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.”
The third installment of the Diablo series will continue the epic storyline, with players playing their role in the ongoing struggle to save the world of Sanctuary from the corrupting forces of the Burning Hells. The game will be localised and released in multiple languages, with release timing and pricing to be revealed at a later date.
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