Closed beta test starts for “Diablo III” videogame

The highly anticipated sequel to the best-selling “Diablo” action role-playing game series, “Diablo III”, has begun its closed public beta testing, as Blizzard Entertainment announced yesterday.

The company has started issuing the first wave of invitations to participate in the testing process and is planning to add more participants over the course of the beta test. While enjoying an early look at the game, beta testers will provide valuable feedback as they help Blizzard Entertainment test server stability and hardware.

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.

Mike Morhaime, Blizzard Entertainment CEO and cofunder, said: “This closed beta test is an important milestone for us as we enter the final stages of development on Diablo III.

“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 videogame will continue the epic “Diablo” storyline with players playing their role in the ongoing struggle against hordes of monsters and challenging bosses to save the world of Sanctuary from the corrupting forces of the Burning Hells.

The game will be localized and released in multiple languages, but the beta will be English only.

Beta testers will have to set up an account and sign up for a chance to participate at the official Battle.net website.

Release timing and region-specific details such as pricing and supported languages will be announced at a later date in the videogame’s online site.