Diablo 3 Beta Testing: Latest News, Preview, Release Date [Video]

This weekend the World of Warcraft and Diablo developer, Blizzard Entertainment, released a beta update for Diablo 3. The gaming company added a box-art image, which is most likely a sign that the company might be close to a final release date for the game.

Diablo 3 is one of the most anticipated titles of 2011. The last Diablo game, Diablo 2, was released in 2000, which has built up and maintained a large user base.

According to Blizzard Entertainment: Diablo III [is] to be the definitive action role-playing game, and a true continuation of the Diablo series. Players will adventure through rich and varied settings, unraveling an epic storyline, engaging in combat with hordes of monsters and challenging bosses, growing in experience and ability, and acquiring items of incredible power. Diablo III will be a fitting sequel to Diablo II, with the easy interface, fast-paced action, and visceral gameplay that Diablo players have come to expect and enjoy. It will also include many new features that will take the Diablo action-RPG experience to the next level.

Blizzard Entertainment gave an official statement earlier regarding the target dates for Diablo 3 beta, hinting that it would be released between July and September. Reports suggest that the official release of Diablo 3 will be in January 2012.

However, reliable websites report that a localized version for Brazil will be released in a month.

“Pricing and availability for Diablo 3 will be determined and announced closer to the release of the game,” states Blizzard Entertainment.

The highly anticipated feature of Diablo 3 is the “auction house.” Players will be able to purchase and sell virtual goods through an auction house that accepts real world money.

According to Blizzard, players can either purchase goods through the in-game currency auction house or the new auction house on a transaction-by-transaction basis.

Here is a video explaining the auction house and how it works: