Diablo III is developed as the definitive action role-playing game, and a true continuation of the Diablo series. Players will create a hero from one of five distinct classes, such as barbarian or witch doctor, each equipped with an array of spells and abilities. As these heroes adventure through rich and varied settings, unraveling an epic storyline and engaging in combat with hordes of monsters and challenging bosses, they’ll grow in experience and ability and acquire items of incredible power.

The game takes place on Sanctuary, a world of dark fantasy. Unbeknownst to most of its inhabitants, Sanctuary was saved some twenty years ago from the demonic forces of the underworld by a few brave and powerful heroes. Most of those warriors who directly faced Hell’s armies -- and were fortunate enough to survive -- went mad from their experiences. And most of the others have buried their haunted memories and pushed the horrors from their thoughts. In Diablo III, players will return to Sanctuary to confront evil in its many forms once again.

Diablo III will pick up the story twenty years after the events of Diablo II. Mephisto, Diablo, and Baal have been defeated, but the Worldstone, which once shielded the inhabitants of the world of Sanctuary from the forces of both the High Heavens and the Burning Hells, has been destroyed, and evil once again stirs in Tristram. Playing as a hero from one of five distinct character classes, players will acquire powerful items, spells, and abilities as they explore new and familiar areas of Sanctuary and battle hordes of demons to safeguard the world from the horrors that have arisen.

The console versions of Diablo III have been custom-tailored for gamepad-driven action, with a dynamic camera perspective that puts your hero front and center, as well as an all-new user interface and an intuitive control system that make vanquishing evil feel like second nature. Players can take on the vile denizens of the Burning Hells alone or in a party of up to four via same-screen local cooperative play or online over PlayStation Network or the Xbox Live online entertainment network from Microsoft. In addition, the game supports parties composed of both local and online players. Once gamers experience the rush of Diablo III’s unique brand of hack-and-slash gameplay from the comfort of their couch, Sanctuary will never be the same.

Heads up, heroes. To celebrate the third anniversary of Diablo III, all players who log into Ultimate Evil Edition from May 15 to May 21 will receive a temporary in-game buff! These events begin in all regions Friday, May 15, at 12:00 a.m. PDT and will end Thursday, May 21, at 11:59 p.m. PDT.

To learn which buff applies to your platform of choice, read on below.

PS3 and X360: Double your adventuring profits! For a limited time, enjoy a +100% bonus to EXP and Gold! This bonus will stack with other existing bonuses in the game including (but not limited to) those provided by items, shrines, and Pools of Reflection.

PA4 and XOne: We've always said there is no cow level, and you should really beeflieve us by now. Beware strange encounters and even stranger portals that may be left behind.

We've recently herd rumors of an invasion. Not one of a demonic nature, mind you, for those we are quite accustomed to. No, these rumors allege that townships throughout Khanduras are being overrun by bipedal, bardiche-bearing bovine who are luring weary adventurers to the proverbial slaughter through moosterious orange portals.

Many of you have expressed fear. Some have asked if you should moov your families. To this we say: Hold fast. There is no cause for alarm. We've seen the so-called "evidence" being pastured around local inns and, after thoroughly investigating all reported sightings, can cowfindently state that this is nothing more than a clever hoax.

There are no homicidal heifers. There is no invasion. And, more specifically, there is no cow level. Anyone who claims otherwise is full of bull and simply milking this terrible prank for all that it's worth.

That said, while the idea of some sort of "cowpocalypse" (as one terrified farmer has taken to calling this) is udderly ridiculous, it is worth noting that one can never be too careful. And so, after consulting with our local Horadrim chapter, we have elected to issue an advisory.

Effective immediately, we encourage all residents of Sanctuary to steer clear of the wilds. From dawn on May 15 to dusk on May 21, it is also recommended that you avoid entering any strange portals that may or may not lead to alternate planes of existence. This activity cud be potentially hazardous to your health and, in the opinion of this humble civil servant, is a veally bad idea in general.

In the meantime, we urge you all to stay calm and remember that cows don't kill people. Everything ELSE in Sanctuary kills people.

Celebrate Diablo III's third anniversary in style with some serious savings from gear.blizzard.com!

Starting this Friday, we're slashing prices on three of our top-selling items. Enjoy 33% off our adorable Treasure Goblin Plush, beautifully-crafted Sword of Justice prop replica, and premium polystone Diablo chess set.

Also we're opening up the Blizzard Gear Store vault to celebrate. Join in on the fun and enter to win 1 of 10 Treasure Goblin Banks today!

Designed by the clever swagmasters over at ThinkGeek, the Treasure Goblin Bank is the perfect companion for any loot-hungry nephalem. This battery-powered trickster giggles gleefully with one of six different sounds when you give him your hard-earned gold. Need your loot back? No problem; unlike the garden-variety goblin, this one features a handy coin removal door for swift, slay-free withdrawals.

We'll be randomly selecting 10 lucky winners to take home their very own Treasure Goblin Bank. In addition, everyone who participates will receive a unique, one-time-use code after the giveaway ends for free global shipping* from the Blizzard Gear Store on their next order.