The Original Diablo is Coming to Xbox Game Pass for PC: A Return to Hellish Roots

The gates of hell are about to swing wide open on the Xbox Game Pass for PC, and this time, they’re inviting you to revisit the game that started it all—Diablo. Blizzard’s iconic action RPG is set to make its way onto the platform, and for anyone who hasn’t yet experienced the dark, dungeon-crawling brilliance of the original, this is the perfect opportunity.

Here’s everything you need to know about Diablo’s fiery arrival on Xbox Game Pass for PC and why this classic still holds up.

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Why the Original Diablo Still Matters

Released in 1996, Diablo wasn’t just a game; it was a phenomenon. Combining gothic atmosphere, addictive gameplay, and an endlessly replayable dungeon-crawling experience, it set the gold standard for the action RPG genre. From its haunting soundtrack to the thrill of uncovering rare loot, Diablo carved a legacy that continues to influence games today.

Despite the passage of time, the original Diablo remains a masterclass in minimalist storytelling and tension-building. Its procedurally generated dungeons, unique character classes, and iconic antagonist—the Lord of Terror himself—still captivate gamers decades later.

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What to Expect from Diablo on Xbox Game Pass for PC

Blizzard’s decision to bring Diablo to Xbox Game Pass for PC ensures that both long-time players and newcomers can experience its dark charm. While the specifics of this release haven’t yet included mentions of remastered features or quality-of-life updates, the core game itself offers plenty of value.

Players can expect:

• Classic Gameplay: Dive into procedurally generated dungeons, battle grotesque demons, and collect legendary loot.
• Gothic Atmosphere: Explore the town of Tristram and descend into hellish environments, accompanied by a spine-chilling soundtrack.
• Iconic Characters: Choose from the Warrior, Rogue, or Sorcerer class, each with distinct abilities and playstyles.

Whether you’re a returning hero or a first-time explorer of Sanctuary, Diablo delivers a timeless blend of strategy, action, and atmosphere.

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Why Diablo Joining Game Pass is a Big Deal

Adding Diablo to Xbox Game Pass for PC is a win-win for Blizzard and Microsoft. For Blizzard, it’s a chance to reintroduce their classic to a modern audience, especially as anticipation builds for future Diablo projects. For Microsoft, it’s another feather in the cap for Game Pass, which continues to expand its library of must-play titles.

This move also comes at a time when retro gaming has never been more popular. Gamers are seeking out classics not just for nostalgia, but to experience the roots of their favorite franchises. Diablo’s inclusion in Game Pass ensures it remains accessible, preserving its legacy while bridging the gap for new audiences.

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Tips for First-Time Adventurers in Diablo

If you’re diving into the original Diablo for the first time, here are a few tips to help you survive the depths of hell:

1. Save Often: Trust us, there’s no autosave safety net in these dungeons.
2. Manage Your Inventory: Every slot counts—choose wisely when looting.
3. Watch Your Mana: If you’re playing as the Sorcerer, conserve mana for critical spells.
4. Talk to Everyone in Tristram: NPCs offer quests, lore, and sometimes valuable gear.
5. Embrace the Challenge: This is old-school difficulty—expect to die and learn from your mistakes.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be better equipped to take on the dark forces lurking beneath Tristram Cathedral.

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A Revival That Builds Anticipation

The timing of Diablo’s arrival on Xbox Game Pass for PC couldn’t be better. With Diablo IV making waves and continued interest in the franchise’s rich lore, this release serves as both a nostalgia trip and a primer for the uninitiated. It’s a reminder of how Blizzard laid the groundwork for a genre that remains wildly popular today.

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Conclusion

The original Diablo joining Xbox Game Pass for PC is more than just a retro release—it’s an invitation to explore the roots of a gaming legacy. Its combination of gothic storytelling, engaging gameplay, and replayability remains unmatched, even decades after its debut. Whether you’re revisiting Tristram or embarking on your first journey into the darkness, this classic is ready to remind everyone why it’s a cornerstone of action RPG history.

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Nvidia GeForce Giving Away Free In-Game Items for Diablo 4

 

If you’ve been battling through the darkness of Sanctuary in Diablo 4, Nvidia GeForce just delivered some news worth celebrating. As part of their GeForce LAN 50 event, they’re offering exclusive in-game rewards for Diablo 4 players. The best part? Earning these items is as straightforward as slaying demons for 50 minutes—something you’re probably doing anyway.

Here’s everything you need to know about these rewards, how to claim them, and why Nvidia graphics cards are your ultimate weapon for survival in Sanctuary.

What Rewards Await in Diablo 4?

Nvidia is upping the ante with some enticing rewards for Diablo 4. While they’re keeping the full list of items under wraps, here’s what you can expect:

• Unique Gear: Deck out your character with exclusive outfits or weapon skins that bring even more style to your demon-slaying arsenal.
• Mount Customizations: Ride through the chaos of Sanctuary in epic fashion with special mount designs to show off during your adventures.
• Bonus Perks: While Diablo 4 is the star of the show, Nvidia is also offering rewards for other games during the event.

How to Unlock Your Free Diablo 4 Rewards

Claiming these rewards isn’t as challenging as defeating the Butcher—it’s quick and easy. Follow these steps:

1. Play Diablo 4 for 50 Minutes: Spend just under an hour in Sanctuary completing missions, quests, or smashing hordes of enemies. Every minute you play counts toward unlocking these rewards.

2. Check Your Graphics Card: To qualify, you’ll need an Nvidia graphics card from 2016 or later. If you’re rocking a GeForce GTX 10 series or newer, you’re ready to go.

3. Install Nvidia Apps: Make sure you’ve downloaded and installed Nvidia GeForce Experience or other required apps. These ensure you can claim the rewards and optimize your gameplay.

4. Follow Nvidia’s Instructions: Keep an eye on Nvidia’s official channels for specific details on redeeming your exclusive Diablo rewards.

Why Nvidia Graphics Cards Are Perfect for Diablo 4

Diablo 4’s eerie, atmospheric world demands a top-tier gaming experience, and Nvidia’s GPUs deliver on all fronts:

• Immersive Graphics: Nvidia’s ray tracing and DLSS technologies bring the dark corners of Sanctuary to life like never before.
• Silky-Smooth Gameplay: Whether you’re casting spells or dodging deadly attacks, Nvidia graphics cards ensure there’s no lag or stutter to hold you back.
• Performance Optimization: GeForce Experience optimizes settings for Diablo 4, letting you dive straight into the action without worrying about technical hiccups.

If your current rig is showing its age, this event might be the perfect excuse to upgrade to an Nvidia GPU and fully experience what Diablo 4 has to offer.

More Than Just Rewards: A Celebration of Diablo 4

Nvidia’s GeForce LAN 50 event isn’t just about snagging exclusive gear—it’s a celebration of the Diablo community and gaming as a whole. This event gives players a reason to return to Sanctuary, whether you’re grinding for loot, revisiting your favorite dungeons, or teaming up with friends to take on the forces of Hell.

It’s also a great reminder of why Diablo 4 has captured the hearts of players worldwide. With Nvidia’s support, your time in Sanctuary can be even more rewarding.

Conclusion

The Nvidia GeForce LAN 50 event is a hellishly good opportunity for Diablo 4 players to earn exclusive in-game rewards while diving deeper into the world of Sanctuary. Whether it’s a stunning new outfit or a custom mount, these rewards are the perfect excuse to spend more time fighting the darkness.

All you need is an Nvidia graphics card, 50 minutes of gameplay, and a hunger for demon-slaying loot. So grab your weapons, check your rig, and let Nvidia supercharge your journey through Diablo 4. The forces of Hell don’t stand a chance—and now you can battle them in style.

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Temper Your Mettle with “Ordeal of Steel”: Diablo Immortal’s Newest Blood-Pumping Gauntlet

 

Picture this: You’re a hardened adventurer in Diablo Immortal, strolling through the battlefield with the nonchalance of a Sith Lord at a Jedi book club meeting. Suddenly, a new challenge pops up, and you realize, “Oh, here we go again. This game just became even more metal.” Welcome to the Ordeal of Steel, the latest and greatest way to test your digital mettle and remind you that, yes, even virtual demon slaying requires intense cardio. Let’s break it all down for you—while keeping it fun, shall we?

What’s the “Ordeal of Steel” About?

Alright, let’s set the stage. This event is less about sipping blue milk at Mos Eisley Cantina and more about engaging in brutal, strategic warfare. “Ordeal of Steel” introduces a new seasonal event to Diablo Immortal, turning the heat up like the volcanic rivers of Mustafar.

Players will engage in multiplayer battles that are tougher, meaner, and—believe it or not—more rewarding. You can almost hear Obi-Wan sighing somewhere: “Don’t try it, I have the high ground.” But in this ordeal? You want the ground as molten as possible.

Key Event Features at a Glance

• Steel Tribulations: Gather your best warband to face waves of challenging enemies, honing your gear, skills, and perhaps sanity (cue Star Wars-y “stay on target” chants).
• Reward System: Crush your foes, reap the spoils. Just like a Sith taking their apprentice’s allowance—except in Diablo, everyone gets a share.
• Forge-themed Challenges: Your weapons and strategies better be on point, or you’ll find yourself re-spawning faster than a TIE fighter in a dogfight.

Gear Up Like a Bounty Hunter on a Budget

You’re only as good as your gear, and in “Ordeal of Steel,” players must optimize their builds for peak performance. Think of it like building a lightsaber, except there’s no wise mentor muttering cryptic life advice. Instead, you have gear stats, grinding, and slightly fewer life lessons.

• Forge Upgrades: Players can upgrade and customize gear using resources earned through battle. Here’s a tip: focus on synergy because a mismatched build is about as useful as a stormtrooper’s aim.
• Cooperation is Key: Form your battle bands with precision. If your buddies are as coordinated as Ewoks on Endor, expect a lot of “respawn” button pressing.

The Combat: Feel the (Mana) Flow

If you’re familiar with Diablo Immortal, you know combat is fluid, chaotic, and sometimes makes you want to rage-quit like Han Solo seeing Kylo Ren’s room decor. “Ordeal of Steel” builds on that with all-new battle scenarios. It’s all about team tactics, reflexes, and the occasional well-timed taunt.

• Multiplayer Madness: Unlike a solo campaign (or a Luke vs. Vader showdown), these battles require every player’s full contribution. Communication is key; treat it like trying to land a Star Destroyer without raising suspicions.
• Dynamic Enemies: The event features new enemy types that’ll make even the most seasoned demon-slayer take a second gulp of their “healing potion.” Adapt or perish—simple as that.

Rewards That Would Make Jabba the Hutt Drool

Why do it? The rewards are shinier than Beskar armor. “Ordeal of Steel” offers high-tier loot drops that can transform your character from “wannabe adventurer” to “walking mountain of shiny doom.” From rare crafting materials to special cosmetics, it’s every collector’s dream—or nightmare, depending on your storage space.

• Exclusive Cosmetics: Because if you’re going to slay, you might as well do it in style. Imagine showing up in gear more stylish than an Imperial officer at a promotion ceremony.
• Battle Pass Upgrades: For the hardcore, consider this a chance to max out your battle pass progress faster than hyperspace travel. Worth it? You bet.

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Give It a Spin

“Ordeal of Steel” is like that unexpected plot twist in your favorite Star Wars trilogy: it’s bold, it’s challenging, and it’ll keep you talking for days. It offers a mix of intense combat, strategic co-op play, and rewards worth sweating over. Sure, you might rage a bit—heck, maybe even a lot—but as any true fan of the genre knows, it’s all part of the fun.

So, don your best gear, grab your crew, and venture forth. Whether you emerge victorious or crawl back in pieces, remember—it’s all about testing your mettle. And who knows? You might just become a legend in your own right, minus the cape (or Jedi robes).

In Conclusion

If you’re ready to face trials that make pod-racing look like a leisurely stroll, “Ordeal of Steel” awaits. Sharpen your blades, gather your allies, and make every battle count. May your loot drops be plentiful, and may you always find high ground—preferably without lava.

That's it! If you need more event-specific details or additional tie-ins with other franchises or gaming insights, let me know.

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Former Blizzard President's Bold Plans for Diablo 4 and Overwatch: What Could Have Been?

In a new revelation, former Blizzard president Mike Ybarra had ambitious plans to reshape two of Blizzard's flagship titles—Diablo 4 and Overwatch—before the Microsoft buyout changed everything. According to Jason Schreier's recent book detailing Blizzard’s ups and downs, Ybarra was keen on cutting back microtransactions in Diablo 4 and even had the radical idea to reboot Overwatch. But unfortunately, these ideas never saw the light of day as the buyout and his departure from the company shifted the course of Blizzard’s future​.

What Were Ybarra's Plans?

1. Diablo 4 Microtransactions Reduction: Diablo 4 is notorious for its live-service model and its extensive cosmetic shop, which has been a sore point for many fans. Ybarra's plan was to reduce the number of microtransactions in the game. This could have potentially scaled back Blizzard’s reliance on the in-game cosmetic shop, which has reportedly generated over $150 million in revenue. The idea was likely to address the growing discontent among the community regarding the game’s microtransaction-heavy model​.

   Imagine a Diablo 4 where cosmetics were more accessible or even removed entirely from the paid shop—an intriguing concept, but it would have required significant development resources to introduce alternatives. Ybarra's proposal hints at a desire to shift focus back to gameplay content, allowing players to feel less pressured by in-game purchases.

2. Overwatch Reboot: The other significant part of Ybarra’s vision was a reboot of Overwatch, which would have been no small feat. Overwatch, already a live-service giant with its own dedicated fanbase, has seen criticism over its monetization strategies. Overwatch 2, in particular, has leaned heavily into microtransactions, and Ybarra’s plan could have been an attempt to reset the game’s foundations, removing its dependency on monetization and possibly focusing more on core gameplay.

   It’s hard to say how an Overwatch reboot would have been received, especially for players who had already invested time and money into Overwatch 2. A reboot would have required careful planning to avoid alienating that player base.

Why Didn’t These Plans Happen?

In a world where Microsoft didn’t swoop in with its $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, perhaps Ybarra's ideas could have materialized. However, as the book points out, Ybarra’s departure from Blizzard, along with the company’s transition to new ownership, essentially shelved these ideas. The focus shifted to the future under Microsoft's umbrella, where Blizzard's live-service model, and by extension, microtransactions, likely continued to dominate​.

Would Cutting Microtransactions Have Worked?

While the idea of cutting down on microtransactions might have seemed like a win for players, it wasn’t without challenges. Diablo 4’s shop had already proven to be a significant revenue source. Reducing or removing it entirely would likely have required a shift in the game's monetization strategy, perhaps moving toward paid expansions or seasonal content without reliance on cosmetic purchases.

Blizzard has always been a company focused on balancing business models with gameplay, and Ybarra's plan might have been an uphill battle with the development team and company stakeholders, particularly given how profitable the microtransactions had been​.

The Overwatch Reboot: A Risky Proposition?

Overwatch 2 has had a rocky history, with mixed reception due to its microtransaction model. A reboot could have rejuvenated the franchise, but it’s not without risk. Overwatch 2’s live-service model is deeply intertwined with its current identity. Would players who had invested in the sequel have embraced a reboot that potentially disrupted their progress or purchases? Or would it have brought back players who felt the game lost its original charm?

Ybarra’s idea to shift away from the live-service model for Overwatch and Diablo 4 reflects an interesting trend. He seemed to believe that the live-service model, especially when overrun by microtransactions, was causing friction with Blizzard’s identity as a developer that values gameplay and player experience above all. This may have struck a chord with longtime Blizzard fans who have been vocal about their frustrations with the recent direction of both games​.

What Could Have Been?

Ybarra’s departure from Blizzard and Microsoft’s acquisition put a halt to what could have been a fascinating transformation for both Diablo 4 and Overwatch. His plans to de-monetize these games likely would have resonated with fans tired of heavy microtransactions, but as with many ambitious ideas, there was no guarantee they would have succeeded without complications.

In the end, we’ll never fully know how Blizzard’s course would have shifted if these plans had been implemented. Still, the mere existence of such ideas shows that there was a willingness to rethink the live-service and microtransaction-heavy direction the company had taken in recent years​.

Conclusion

While Ybarra’s vision of cutting microtransactions and rebooting Overwatch never came to fruition, his plans reflect an awareness of the gaming community’s growing frustration with live-service models. The gaming world remains curious about what could have been, but for now, Diablo 4 and Overwatch will continue to evolve under Microsoft’s leadership, with no signs of slowing down on the monetization front.

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Season 33: Shades of the Nephalem in Diablo 3 – What to Expect

With Season 33 of Diablo 3 dropping on October 25th, the dark and shadowy world of Sanctuary is once again calling on Nephalem to harness the powers of the unknown. This season, Blizzard is bringing back the Shades of the Nephalem theme, which first debuted in Season 22. For those looking to dive in, here’s everything you need to know about the new features, rewards, and challenges, with a few tips to get the most out of your journey through hellish landscapes.

The Return of the Shadow Clones

The theme of Season 33 centers around the concept of Shadows of the Past. Every time you activate a Shrine or Pylon, a shadow clone of your class spawns and fights alongside you. These clones come with one of three pre-determined builds, and their power scales with your character, lasting for one minute or until death. This mechanic offers a unique opportunity to face Hell's minions with an extra burst of power, making even the most challenging fights feel more manageable. It’s like having a temporary, overpowered twin who does most of the heavy lifting—perfect for solo players looking to take on high-level rifts​.

Additionally, Kanai’s Cube receives a notable upgrade this season. You’ll have access to a fourth slot, giving you even more flexibility with your builds. However, the new slot won’t stack with existing ones, so careful planning will still be needed to maximize your effectiveness​.

Season 33 Cosmetic Rewards

For many players, cosmetic rewards are a major draw in Diablo 3, and Season 33 does not disappoint. Blizzard has reintroduced rewards from Season 9, meaning that players who missed out on them previously will have another chance to earn these coveted items. Among the returning rewards are the Pandemonium portraits and the adorable yet rugged Rocky pet. If you've already collected these, fear not! This season also introduces two brand-new rewards: the Stupendous Contraption pet and the Industrial Portrait Frame, which await those who complete the full Season Journey​.

Seasonal Conquest Challenges

For the completionists and those who crave a true test of skill, Season 33 features a series of Seasonal Conquests. Some returning favorites include:

• Curses!/Stars Align: In this challenge, you’ll need to defeat over 350 monsters during a Cursed Chest event on Torment X or higher.
• Sprinter/Speed Racer: Complete the entire Diablo 3 campaign from Act I to V at Level 70 in under an hour.
• Avarice/Avaritia: Rack up a 50 million gold streak outside of The Vault.
• Thrill/Superhuman: Complete a Greater Rift Level 45 solo, without using any Set items​.

For those looking for a fast-paced challenge, Speed Demon/Need for Speed makes a return, requiring you to complete a Torment X Nephalem Rift in under two minutes. These challenges will test your mettle and your reflexes, but the satisfaction of conquering them will make all the demon-slaying worth it.

Haedrig’s Gift and Class Sets

Like previous seasons, Season 33 also brings back Haedrig’s Gift, rewarding players with powerful Class Sets. By completing Chapters II, III, and IV of the Season Journey, you can unlock Haedrig’s Gift, which contains a full Class Set. Remember, you only get one Class Set per season, so choose wisely! Here’s a quick look at what’s up for grabs this season:

• Barbarian: Might of the Earth
• Crusader: Thorns of the Invoker
• Demon Hunter: The Shadow's Mantle
• Monk: Monkey King’s Garb
• Witch Doctor: Raiment of the Jade Harvester
• Wizard: Firebird's Finery
• Necromancer: Grace of Inarius​.

Patch 2.7.8: Quality of Life Improvements

Season 33 kicks off with Patch 2.7.8, which brings significant quality-of-life improvements, especially for Mac users. This patch introduces native support for Apple Silicon, enhancing the game’s performance on newer Mac systems. Players on both Mac and PC will also benefit from various stability improvements. These updates ensure that your demon-slaying experience is smoother and more enjoyable, even when playing cross-platform​.

Strategy Tips for Season 33

If you're aiming to make the most of Season 33, here are a few tips:

• Maximize Your Shadow Clone: The shadow clone mechanic can drastically enhance your damage output. Make sure you plan your Shrine and Pylon activations strategically to take full advantage of the clone during key battles.
• Kanai’s Cube Mastery: With the addition of a fourth slot, build diversity is greater than ever. Experiment with different combinations to find the most effective setup for your playstyle.
• Focus on Conquests Early: Some of the Conquest challenges can be tricky, especially Sprinter/Speed Racer. Try tackling them early in the season when your motivation is high, and your progress isn’t spread too thin across multiple goals.

Conclusion: Ready for the Shadows?

With its combination of returning features, new rewards, and a fresh twist on the Shades of the Nephalem theme, Season 33 is shaping up to be an exciting ride for new and veteran players alike. Whether you're diving into the seasonal journey for the first time or gunning for those coveted Conquest titles, the shadows of Sanctuary are calling.

Mark your calendar for October 25th, and prepare to face Hell’s minions with your shadow clone at your side. There’s no better time to return to Diablo 3 than now!

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Activision Blizzard Slapped with €5000 Fine over Loot Boxes in Diablo Immortal

 

In a recent incident, PEGI's Enforcement Committee has imposed a fine of €5000 on gaming giant Activision Blizzard for failing to disclose the presence of loot boxes in its popular game, Diablo Immortal. Along with Activision Blizzard, Plaion, another gaming company, has also been penalized the same amount for not informing the ratings board about the inclusion of paid random items in its Limited Bounty Hunter Edition of Hunt: Showdown​.

This enforcement action comes as a part of PEGI's mandate to uphold its Code of Conduct, which was clearly violated by the failure of both companies to disclose the inclusion of loot boxes and other paid random items in their games. In response to the fine, both Activision Blizzard and Plaion have been directed to immediately update their store listings and marketing materials to accurately reflect the presence of such items in their games​​.

While a €5000 fine might seem trivial for corporations of this size, the action signifies a broader issue within the gaming industry. These companies are not the only ones to face repercussions over the controversial practice of incorporating loot boxes in their games. Earlier this month, Sony found itself in a similar predicament when it was ordered to refund a number of Austrian FIFA players. The verdict came after a court ruled that FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT) packs were a form of gambling, highlighting the increasing scrutiny of loot box mechanics in video games​.

The ongoing controversy surrounding loot boxes has also stirred up concerns about the consistency and reliability of warnings for games featuring such mechanics. A study conducted by Leon Y Xiao, in partnership with universities in Denmark, London, and the US, pointed out inconsistencies in loot box presence warnings across PEGI and the ERSB, as well as varying age ratings on the Google Play Store as overseen by the IARC. The study investigated a selection of smartphone games available on the Google Play Store that include loot boxes​​.

As regulatory bodies and courts continue to scrutinize and take action against loot box practices, gaming companies are being called to offer greater transparency to their players. The minimal €5000 fines imposed on Activision Blizzard and Plaion may not serve as a significant deterrent, but they do underscore the growing international concern over the practice of loot boxes in video games. The industry as a whole needs to address these issues promptly and decisively to ensure fair play and the well-being of their players.

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Diablo 4 Statue Costs as Much as a Gaming PC: A Tribute to the Immortal Game

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, franchises like Diablo have remained popular amongst players for decades. Diablo 4, the latest installment in the series, has been highly anticipated by gamers worldwide. To celebrate its release, a stunning statue of Lilith, one of the game's main characters, has been unveiled. The statue is enormous and costs as much as a good gaming PC.

Standing at 24 inches tall, the Lilith statue is a marvel of design and craftsmanship. Made by Blizzard Entertainment, the statue features Lilith, the Queen of the Succubi, standing on a pile of skulls with her wings spread wide. The level of detail on the statue is impressive, with each intricate element of her armor, clothing, and features precisely crafted.

The Lilith statue is a tribute to Diablo 4, and it serves as a reminder of the game's immersive world and epic storytelling. For die-hard fans of the Diablo series, this statue is a must-have item. However, the price of the statue may be prohibitive for some.

At $550, the Lilith statue costs as much as a good gaming PC. But for those who can afford it, the statue is worth every penny. It's a physical representation of the game's lore, and it's a testament to the passion and creativity of the developers at Blizzard Entertainment.

For those who can't afford the Lilith statue, there are still other ways to celebrate the release of Diablo 4. The game itself promises to be an immersive and unforgettable experience, with stunning graphics and an epic storyline. Fans can also purchase other merchandise, such as t-shirts, posters, and other collectibles.

In conclusion, the Lilith statue is a tribute to the Diablo series and a celebration of its latest installment. Its high price may be prohibitive for some, but for those who can afford it, it's a must-have item. It's a testament to the passion and creativity of the developers at Blizzard Entertainment, and it serves as a reminder of the game's immersive world and epic storytelling. Diablo 4 promises to be a game that will be remembered for years to come, and the Lilith statue is a physical representation of that legacy.

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Blizzard is making a Battle.net Voice Chat system

When Blizzard announced the beta launch date for Overwatch last week, it (somewhat surprisingly) said the game would have built-in voice chat. Now we're learning that it won't just be part of Overwatch, but built into Battle.net itself. A post on the Overwatch blog said that Battle.net Voice Chat will launch as part of the Overwatch beta, and that it's "still in its early development and testing stages."

The post makes it clear that, for now, Battle.net Voice Chat will only be available to use within the Overwatch Beta and that it's still "too early to say which Blizzard games will be supported and when." But the fact that it is being built as part of Battle.net, rather than as Overwatch's dedicated VoIP system, possibly indicates that Blizzard is interested in the idea of making voice chat available in more of its games.

Heroes of the Storm seems like an easy fit for the service, but the idea of speaking to my BM'ing Hearthstone opponent makes me quiver. Well Met!

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Blizzard Warns Gamers About Data Mined Diablo 3 Info

The team at Blizzard in charge of Diablo 3 is telling fans of the title to take all the information that it extracted from game files and offered by various sources as a clear indication about the future of the title with a grain of salt because it is often based on data that might be changed relatively quickly.

On the official forums, the company explains that there's a lot of experimentation going on and that info linked to the game elements might give the fan community the wrong idea about the way the experience will evolve.

Blizzard adds, "There's already a couple of strings I've seen that I can confirm are not making it into this patch for various reasons. Cursed Realms continue to be an internal experiment and will not be appearing in Patch 2.3.0. The ability to level a Legendary up to your level using the Kanai's Cube was pulled because it created a lot of unforeseen interactions and nasty bugs that will take too long for us to implement for this particular patch (though we may revisit it at a later date)."

The 2.3.0 major patch for Diablo 3 is at the moment in the final development stages before it arrives on the Public Test Realms.

Once it gets there, a small number of players will be able to explore the new mechanics and core changes before the entire player community gets access to it.
Diablo 3 is continuing to evolve, new expansion might be coming

Data mining has become a good way for the most dedicated fans of big franchises to get a look at how developers are planning to improve them in coming patches or expansions.

But as Blizzard explains, there's also a chance that info might be based on old files or on leftovers.

The development team is now working on the 2.3.0 patch, but other rumors are suggesting that they are also creating a new major expansion that will be launched for Diablo 3 in 2016.

It seems that gamers will be able to get access to a new character class to use, more environments to explore, and a range of enemies to deal with, while the Season mode will also be improved.

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Everything about Kanai's Cube

General Questions 

What is it?
 Those who played Diablo II might remember the Horadric Cube, a unique device which allowed you to combine items. Useful as it was, it was easily surpassed in power by the item from which it originated, Kanai’s Cube. In Patch 2.3.0, players will be able to discover this powerful ancient relic and utilize its incredible potential, including the ability to break down Legendary items and equip their special effects as passive skills (which are separate from your other passive skills), convert crafting materials from one type to another, and so much more.

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How does it work?
The primary function of the cube is to serve as a collection system to allow you to accumulate powers from items and then assign the powers you want to use. This has a lot of benefits one of which is hopefully to help free up some of that stash space that players, like me, are using to save cool items "just in case". Now instead of keeping 1 of every cool item in my stash you can simply extract it's power for later use.

Anytime you extract a power from an item it is added to your collection of powers. You can enabled any power you have ever extracted, within each specific game type.
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How do you get it?
The Cube, for all intents and purposes, is like a new artisan. Once it's acquired (by completing a quest in the new Ruins of Sescheron zone), you'll be able to access it in each of the Act hubs. This unlock also works similarly to other artisans — you'll need to unlock it once in each game mode (Hardcore, Normal, Normal Seasonal, Hardcore Seasonal).

This does also mean that, like leveling up your Blacksmith or Jeweler, you'll need to unlock it each Season. It's a pretty quick process, though. :)
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How many passives do you get?
One weapon passive, one armor passive, and one jewelry passive.
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Is Armor ARMOR, or ALL armors (bracers/gloves/etc)?
The armor slot for Kanai's Cube currently encompasses every slot except weapons and jewelry. So, for example, the cube could give you the Legendary power from Lut Socks, or Leoric's Crown, but not both.
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Do the Cube passives replace normal passives?
Stopping by to say that powers assigned with the cube do not compete with normal passives.
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Can you get cross-class passives (e.g. Flying Dragon on a Barbarian)?
You can only assign powers that you would normally be able to use so no Calamity on Barbs or Flying Dragon on Demon Hunters.
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Are offhands (Sources, Mojos, Quivers, Crusader Shields) considered weapons or armor?
Anything that goes in your main or offhand is part of the weapon category for the purposes of the cube.
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Can you stack two immunities from amulets?
If you want to wear an immunity neck and infuse yourself with a second immunity you can absolutely do that.
Source

Can you double dip passives (i.e. wear a Furnace and use the Furnace cube passive)?
No double dipping, you can only have one instance of a power active.
Source

Think of it this way: Equipping a power from a Legendary power via Kanai's Cube is just like equipping the item itself, only it does not take up an equipment slot.
Source

How are legendary powers stored on your account?
Powers extracted via the cube are accessible the same way that paragon levels are. They are account wide per game type, Normal, Hardcore, Seasonal Normal, Seasonal Hardcore.
Source

How are stat ranges in legendary powers dealt with?
Powers that are extracted into the cube are extracted at their maximum power.
Source

Why are stat ranges always maximized?
We discussed a lot of ideas on how we wanted the extraction process to work. We discussed powers extracting at the level of the item, we discussed powers extracting at the lowest power and upgrading by extracting more of the same item. We ultimately decided that extracting a power would give you it's full potential because we want the feature to be a collection system, not a progression system.

There are already tons of things to upgrade, you can always get better rolls on an item, you can always get more paragon levels, we didn't want this system to feel like a grind or to have players regret extracting a power because it was a low value.
Source

Is it Season only?
...it is not a season only feature.
Source

Will it indicate which special powers are still missing?
The current plan is that it will so that players know what Legendary items they're still missing. Of course, it's still a work in progress. :)
Source

Where did this idea come from?
It's been in the works for quite some time. As with many features, it's a combination of player feedback and internal design.
Source

Where is the name from?
The name is a tribute to Kevin Kanai Griffith, a Diablo artist who died last year from cancer, and his incredible work on the art in the Diablo universe.
Source

Specific Items

Can you get an additional normal passive by extracting a Hellfire Amulet?
Also the Hellfire Amulet passives cannot be extracted via the cube.
Source

How does the Hellskull shield work for a Demon Hunter not using a bow?
Hellskull increases damage while wielding a 2h weapon. That power can be used without requiring a shield to be equipped. If you want to trigger an on block effect from a power you will need a way to block or it won't be able to trigger.
Source

How does the extracted legendary power account for Leoric's Crown and the Broken Crown?
In both of these cases it will give you the benefit based on whatever gem you have socketed into your helm.
Source

Can you extract Ancestor's Grace (extra life)?
Ancestors Grace can't be extracted into the cube...
Source

Unresolved Questions

• Let me know if there are updates!
• For Meticulous Bolts, is the legendary power (Elemental Arrow - Ball Lightning now travels at 30–40% speed) pushed to 30 or 40?
• Can you put in legendaries from any level?
• Can all legendaries be extracted, or only post patch ones?
• Can set items with legendary effects be cubed?

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Diablo 3 Players Arrested For Stealing In-Game Items

In a shocking bit of news, two players have been hit with criminal charges for their activity in Diablo III. One of the players used a RAT (remote access tool) to take control of other players' games and strip them of their items while his partner in crime scooped up the items, all in the hopes of selling the items for real money on the Real-Money Auction House.

Fusion did a report on the incident that originated back in 2012 when the two thieves tried to one-up other gamers during the massive outcry of accounts being hacked. Some of you might remember that there were a lot of scammers, hackers, keyloggers, phishers and gold sellers trying to do any and everything to get their hands on accounts and sell the goods through Blizzard's once coveted Real-Money Auction House, a service that has since been shutdown following various reports about people losing money to the service and many gamers complaining that it undermined the whole point of the loot-and-grind gameplay in Diablo III.

During the summer of 2012 two gamers, Michael Stinger and Patrick Nepomuceno, befriended and were drawn into the inner circle of criminality that breathes and surges in the underbelly of Diablo III's community. The duo wanted to make some extra cash and Nepomuceno had purchased a RAT to take control of other people's computers if they clicked on an image he would send them, tempting them to click by saying that the image was of a rare and hard to find item in the game. When unsuspecting users would click the image it would download the client RAT that would enable Nepomuceno to take control of their computer.

From there, Nepomuceno would strip the characters bare, leaving them naked at the shock and horror of the player who no longer had any control over the game. Stinger was then instructed by Nepomuceno to pick up the items, weapons and gear on the ground.

They did this a couple of dozen times to various users, all in an attempt to acquire the goods and sell them on the Real-Money Auction House.

Blizzard, however, was not daft to the wrongdoings of the nefarious duo.

The company had been tracking reports about hacking attempts, account theft and other incidents of a similar nature. Many players who wanted to get a detailed and thorough recount of how their accounts were infiltrated were required to get a warrant for Blizzard to release the data. In this particular case Blizzard was willing to allow this information to be made public because they're making Nepomuceno and Stinger pay dearly for their virtual crimes.

However, according to Stinger he told Fusion that he was unaware of Nepomuceno's true intentions and was not privy to the evil that lurked in his compatriot's heart, stating...

He just told me to share the link and I would get free items. I thought Patrick was doing some glitch, ...I didn’t really care, lol. I was getting free stuff. I was not driven for the money. I simply wanted to get better gear for my character: good weapons and armor.

He explained to Fusion that he didn't know that Nepomuceno was using a RAT, and when he found out he blocked him from his friends list on Facebook.

Blizzard wanted more than just to ignore the companions of crime or block them from Facebook. Blizzard is charging them for the time required to launch the full investigation into their antics, which comes up to $5,654.61.

The duo allegedly acquired nearly $8,000 worth of items but were unable to sell anything on Diablo's Real-Money Auction House. In fact, nothing sold.

Stinger is paying back the company, $100 a month at a time.

According to the L.A.-based federal prosecutor, Tracy Wilkison, she told Fusion that...

People think they are not going to get caught, that they’re not going to be found in their bedrooms on a computer. They don’t think it’s that big of a deal, [...] Gaming especially lends itself to this suspension of reality

This instance of having two virtual thieves plead guilty and get charged with paying back Blizzard for $8,000 worth of virtual goods that were never sold – and Blizzard actually reimbursed each of the players for the items that were taken – it brought about an interesting conversation within the gaming community. Should gamers be charged in real life for crimes committed in games? The Fusion article notes that committing “virtual rape” in games like GTA V could also help open the door for the law to start looking more seriously at in-game crimes.

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Diablo 3 will be getting rid of permanent crowd control in upcoming content patch

Blizzard have expressed intent on getting rid of “permanent” crowd control in a future content patch for Diablo III. Currently, the highest ranked groups for Diablo III’s competitive Greater Rifts all require similar “zero-DPS” builds, where one or two players focus entirely on disabling enemy minions, and buffing the parties damage.



The news came from deep within the game’s official forums, where community managerGrimiku responded to fan feedback on the state of Greater Rifts.

“We’re looking to disable permanent Crowd Control in an upcoming content patch to create more interaction with monsters at higher Greater Rifts levels.” stated Grimiku. “To complement that change, we will be also be evaluating how much damage monsters are dealing to players in that environment. One of our goals in the next major patch is to provide a more consistent Greater Rift experience while making sure that defensive Legendary items still matter.”

It’s no wonder that this can be seen as a bit un-fun, as enemies that can’t attack are not really a threat at all; certainly not the intended design of the developers. Here's an example of a zero-DPS build for Witch Doctors that's currenlty being used in Season 3 from YoutuberAnthony Evans:

This change will certainly affect the meta in a big way, as the most successful groups rely on these zero-DPS classes to safely complete extremely high level Greater Rifts. This effect will only be compounded in Hardcore mode too, where death is permanent. Naturally however, it looks like monster damage will be reduced to compensate for the increased danger.

There's no word on when this content patch is due, but it'll likely land at the end of Season 3, which has still got three months to go according to Blizzard.

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Nexon Caught Using Diablo 3 Concept Art for Vindictus MMORPG

South Korea-based Nexon has been caught using Diablo III art without Blizzard's permission to promote its MMORPG, Vindictus.

According to Kotaku, Nexon posted some new promo art (provided above) for its latest patch of Vindictus that reminded people of a certain popular dungeon-crawler. Nexon is mainly known for Maple Story, Atlantica Online, Dragon Nest and Vindictus. In case you've been living under a rock, that Vindictus picture is a quick and dirty Photoshop edit of Malthael, the main villain of Diablo III's Reaper of Souls expansion. To make things worse, the picture that Nexon used for the image was of Reaper of Souls' box art.

Just in case you need more convincing, here are some other pictures for reference:

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Anonymous Blizzard source: "Diablo 3 team has been completely gutted" - Other Blizz leaks

This was put up this morning by Tae Kim at Yahoo Finance. It was taken down, and edited and reposted at http://firstadopter.tumblr.com/ and now has a blizzard response. The original version, since removed, said as follows:

An Activision Blizzard insider, who could not be named due to his or her employers’ policy on talking to the press, revealed significant details about the company’s current game pipeline. This same source had the name and exact timing information of Blizzard’s Overwatch game announcement last November way before the news. The validity of the Overwatch leak and other various reasons are why I deem him or her to be a credible source.

The insider says Hearthstone numbers “are off the charts.” The next expansion is due to come out in April and will be more PvE focused. The team is also experimenting with a 2 vs. 2 version. Stunningly Hearthstone has now passed the 75 million players milestone.

Regarding Overwatch, the insider says the business model is still in flux. They are trying to decide between a free-to-play or expansion type focused model. No matter what, you will initially be able to play the game for free, but how you pay for heroes is still to be decided. The development team is pushing to launch the game this year, but senior executives are skeptical it can be done by then. There is a tiny chance for a December release, but it’s more likely to come out in early 2016 at this stage.

Executives have “low expectations” for Heroes of the Storm. The insider thinks many of the senior staff on the Heroes of the Storm team will be laid off.

The next Starcraft 2 game is already done and ready to go. The release date is still not settled. The current time window ranges from April to June.

The World of Warcraft team has “quadrupled” its art outsourcing, which has been a bottleneck in the past. The next expansion is almost “feature complete.”

The insider says the Diablo 3 team has been “completely gutted” for a new project set in the Starcraft universe. The game will be similar to Warframe and contain gameplay aspects from Left4Dead, DayZ, Smite, and other MOBAs. It is in early pre-production, which means late 2016 or later.

The insider gave me more details on other things, but I covered the most interesting content developments. Hearthstone’s success is beyond even the most optimistic expectations and should be a buffer against the continued year-over-year secular decline of the Call of Duty and Skylanders franchises.

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Official 2.0.6 patchnotes is out

In text for those of you at work:

General:

• Increased the drop rate of all class-specific set items.

Class-Specific set items:

• Monk:
• Philosophy:
• Legendary items are just as important to class power as class skills. We recognize that the Monk class sets went out underpowered, and are substantially increasing their damage to be closer in comparison with the sets of other classes. Additionally, the Raiment of a Thousand Storms 6-piece bonus has been redesigned slightly to allow the damage to be higher, more controlled, and more deliberate.

Monkey King's Garb

• (4) Set Bonus:
• Explosion weapon damage increased from 100% to 1600%
• Lowered explosion delay from 1 to .5 seconds
• Bug Fix: Fixed an issue that caused the Spirit spent counter to reset when an item was picked up

Raiment of a Thousand Storms

• (6) Set Bonus:
• Will now be triggered only by Dashing Strike
• Weapon damage increased from 100% to 3000%
• Damage dealt can now be a critical hit
• Removed the target cap (the visual effect will still be capped at 6 targets)

Bug Fixes:

• Fixed an issue introduced in Patch 2.0.5 that prevented the +% Haunt Damage, +% Locust Swarm Damage, and +% Rend Damage item affixes from being applied

Crafting: * Legendary crafting recipes have received several changes:

• Legendary crafted items are meant to be both a stepping stone into end game items and a good place to spend crafting materials at the end game. While we like the fantasy of having the unique crafting materials, obtaining them was either keeping too many people from being able to complete the recipes in a timely manner or encouraging game flipping and similar less than ideal patterns of play in order to acquire them. As such, we are removing the requirements for unique items when crafting legendaries.
• Unique crafting materials are no longer required.
• Legendary crafting materials will no longer drop.
• Existing Legendary crafting materials will now be grey and have had their sell prices increased
• Level 70 crafted sets and Legendary items with unique properties now require additional death's breath
• Level 70 crafted Legendary items without unique properties have had their death's breath costs removed
• Death's breath is no longer required for most artisan training costs
• The Mystic no longer requires death's breath to train
• The Blacksmith and the Jeweler now only require 1 each to learn the first rank of level 11

User interface:

• +% skills damage bonus will now display on the details page
• +% elemental damage will now display on the details page
• Paragon bonuses will now be reflected in Character Profile Damage, toughness, and healing values
• Community chat will now be joined by default and the settings for which channels you have joined or left will be saved

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Blizz Support: RoS phishing scam warning

Greetings all,

Just a quick heads up here - although phishing scams are pretty common, we've received more reports than usual regarding a particular message for Reaper of Souls which encourages you to click a link and return back to account management. Please keep in mind that if you receive an official Closed Beta invitation from Blizzard we DO NOTencourage you to click any links in the email, and instead ask that you attempt to try the key out directly through your account management by logging over directly to battle.net (without redirecting through the email).

From the recent article about the Beta:

How will I know if I'm selected to participate in the beta??
If you are selected to participate in the Reaper of Souls Closed Beta, you will receive an invite via email. Opt-in invites will always be sent to the email address associated with your Battle.net account, while Closed Beta keys may be sent to other email addresses.

To help avoid phishing attempts, if you believe you've received an invite to the Closed Beta, it's best to refrain from clicking on any links in the email(s) you receive. If you received an opt-in invite, you can verify that your account has been granted a Closed Beta license in Battle.net Account Management. If you were sent a Closed Beta key, you can add it manually by visiting the Add or Upgrade a Game page.

Thanks for reading! Happy New Year!

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Scam Alert! PLvL 51+ Monk selling Radiant Star Emerald for "cheap"

Not sure how long this has been going on since I don't play nearly as much and try to stay out of trade chat. I wont mention the battle tag because I don't want to start a which hunt. Just be wary of people selling cheap gems. Heres the story.

"[2. Trade][MrC...]: WTS [Radiant Star Emerald (10)] 16M per"

Sounds like a great deal. Too good to be true. First red flag. I tell him I only have enough gold for 8, but he insist on selling me 10. Second red flag. He puts the 10 gems in and I put the gold in and the trade window closes with no trade. Third red flag. Says the game told him I was busy and my inventory must be full, which it wasn't. Forth red flag. I go along with it and act dumb. Opens the trade window again and puts in 10 Gems and I put in the gold. I see the quick switch and there is now only 1 gem in the trade window. I hit accept and then he hits accept. Trade complete.

Now this guy is feeling all high and mighty till he realizes I "forgot" to put in an extra 0 and gave him 12.8m for 1 gem instead of the 128m he was expecting. We had our laughs and then he had the balls to ask me to trade him back the gem. That didn't happen.

Use your head people. Don't fall for this shit.

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Diablo 3 expansion won't arrive until 2014

A VentureBeat source claims that Blizzard have ruled out a release until next year. This despite a recent influx of staff to the project from the developers’ unannounced Titan MMO, which was recently returned to the drawing board.

Blizzard have kept schtum on the Diablo expansion since its existence was confirmed in anearnings call last November, and have never made a public announcement on the subject.

A Blizzard spokesman contacted GamesBeat to take issue with their use of the word “delay”, and to point out that Diablo 3 expansion has never had a release date. They didn’t seek to correct any other details of their report, however.

This week, we learned that Diablo has acquired a new game director: Josh Mosqueira, the man previously responsible for the game’s PS3 version. Mosqueira began his reign with a pledge to make item drops more meaningful and reduce the impact of the Auction House - in other words, to follow to the letter the strategy already laid out by his team.

Fingers crossed for more news on the expansion at BlizzCon this November. What would you like to see in it? Aside from demons, obvs.

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Blizzard Donates Money Made from Dupe to a Good Cause

After the Diablo 3 gold dupe that broke out after the 1.08 patch went live, Blizzard responded by locking down the Auction House and banning players who had executed the exploit to dupe. Now, however, after Blizzard has identified who duped the gold and banned them, they were stuck with the players’ auctions that had previously been posted, and needed something to do with all of the money they now had sitting around.

Blizzards plan of action, however, is clever; rather than cause an outrage by many in keeping the money made, Blizzard has said “We'll be donating all proceeds from auctions conducted by the suspended or banned players—including all of THEIR sale proceeds that we intercepted as well as our transaction fee—to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals."

While the economy in Diablo 3 may still take a big hit due to all of the gold that was duped, even players who were banned for using the exploit can console themselves in knowing that at the very least the money they would have made is being donated to a good cause. While the exact amount of money made has not been announced yet, it could be a sizeable amount.

Let us know, were you banned due to this dupe? If so, how do you feel about what Blizzard is planning to use the money you may have earned, and finally, do you think they handled the situation properly or could they have dealt with it differently? ...

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Dupe takes the Diablo 3 Auction House offline

Ever since the Diablo 3 launch people have been searching for (and finding) dupes. The Diablo 3 1.0.8 patch released yesterday brought us another dupe exploit allowing many users, as stated on a Battle.net forum post, to make billions, and for certain users, trillions of gold. We're not entirely sure how much gold was duped, but we do know the exploit was real and that the real money auction house was/is down as a result.

"After the release of Patch 1.0.8 this morning, we found that some players were exploiting a bug that enabled them to duplicate gold through the Auction House," Diablo 3 Community Manager Lylirra explained. "We're working on fixing the bug right now, and bringing the Auction Houses offline helps us troubleshoot in a more stable environment while preventing further exploiting."

A fix has been found for the issue and Blizzard is currently testing that fix. They've announced that despite recieving a lot of requests for a rollback, they won't actually do one. "We've been able to successfully identify players who duplicated gold by using this specific bug, and are focusing on these accounts to make corrections. While this is a time-consuming and very detailed process, we believe it's the most appropriate choice given the circumstances," she wrote. "We know that some of you may disagree, but we feel that performing a full roll back would impact the community in an even greater way, as it would require significant downtime as well as revert the progress legitimate players have made since patch 1.0.8 was released this morning."

When we asked our sources at Blizzard what would happen to the exploiters, they were unable to tell us. We assume a lot of people are going to be banned, but they might have already made their money from the dupe. The only thing we've been able to learn is that they're in the process of "reviewing the accounts involved and taking appropriate actions, including temporary locks, suspensions, and/or bans."

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