Blizzard Begins Closed Beta Testing for Diablo 3

Tuesday Blizzard announced that the closed beta test for Diablo 3 had officially begun, and that the first wave of invitations were on the way. But don't fret if an invite doesn't appear within the next day or so: additional participants will be added over the course of the beta test. Unfortunately, Blizzard hasn't released an official beta test schedule, so there's no telling when the second wave of invitations will begin.

"This closed beta test is an important milestone for us as we enter the final stages of development on Diablo 3," said Blizzard CEO and co-founder 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 2 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."

According to the studio, beta participants will be able to fight their way through part of Act I as any of the five hero classes -- barbarian, witch doctor, wizard, monk, and demon hunter -- and go head-to-skull against the Skeleton King, taking him on alone or playing cooperatively with other adventurers. They'll also get to meet up with some of the artisans, followers, and other key characters from Sanctuary, and try out the game's skill and crafting systems.

Feeling jealous? Of course you are.

If anything, the beta means that we're getting closer to an actual Diablo 3 launch. Blizzard said that the beta will be English-only, and that release timing and region-specific details such as pricing and supported languages will be announced at a later date. For more information on Diablo III, please visit the official website here. Additionally, here is Blizzard's overview of the game which came with the beta announcement:

Diablo 3 will continue the epic Diablo storyline, with players playing their role in the ongoing struggle to save the world of Sanctuary from the corrupting forces of the Burning Hells. Diablo 3 will also be the definitive action role-playing game, with players adventuring through rich and varied settings, engaging in combat with hordes of monsters and challenging bosses, growing in experience and ability, and acquiring items of incredible power. As the sequel to Diablo 2, the game will feature the easy-to-use interface, fast-paced action, and visceral gameplay that Diablo players have come to expect and enjoy. Designed from the ground up to leverage the power of Battle.net, Diablo 3 will also provide gamers with industry-leading matchmaking and communication tools; convenient character- and inventory-management options; and the Diablo 3 auction house, which will support a robust player-driven economy.