Today Blizzard activated the first keys of the closed beta for Diablo 3. The stage they are currently testing under is F & F (Family and Friends) and the activated keys now are only for employees and F&F of Blizzard for now. As the testing enters new stages each day, more keys will be sent out depending if you signed up for beta, have some really cool blizzard friends or are just really lucky! So for those fortunate souls you can already start downloading the official game client from Blizzard in preparation!
I believe they would like to stress test their link thats why they didn't make it private so theres no harm sharing it - unless someone mentions it to me and i'll remove it ASAP. The install takes up 14GB.
Note: This does not give you access and you should NOT download it unless you know you will be receiving a key or has a friend who will or you have an incredibly optimistic view on life and believe your fairy godmother will leave a key under your pillow tonight. But only if you brush your teeth.
Beta Selection FAQ:
Q: How will the selection of participants of the beta testing be carried out?
A: Beta testers will be selected based on the configuration of their computer and other factors, including luck. Blizzard's goal is to test the widest possible range of configurations to obtain more reliable results. I believe this refers to the next wave, after the F&F wave keys are given out.
Q: Will there be other ways to participate in beta testing in addition to the application?
A: Most likely, but only after the F&F wave. As you know in Blizzard tradition, one of the cool perks of being a big established fan site is to get treated well and receive exclusives. However, the F&F keys are very limited and we are also instructed to only be allowed to give away keys to the community AFTER the F&F wave ends and not at the present moment.
My current plan would be to have at least 1 key given to a tournament winner, 2 keys given out in lucky draw (Only those who meet a minimum number of posts on sc2sea will be eligible). So lurkers start posting now and no silly spam please, that just gets you DQed!!!! Check how many posts you have here http://www.sc2sea.com/misc.php?do=cybstats > change it to view 100 results. Not sure how many keys we will be getting so I shall stop planning there. You could also probably win some keys on the official Blizzard website so keep an eye out for that!
Q: How many players do you plan to invite to the beta?
A: The number of players will depend on the situation. If during testing it turns out that it is necessary to increase the number of players then Blizzard will invite more participants.
Which part of the game will be available for beta testing?
A: You can play all 5 classes and pass the first part of Diablo III - from the very beginning of the game till before the fight with the Skeleton King.
Q: Will there be PvP-Arena available in the beta?
A: Blizzard does not intend to include PvP-Arena in beta testing.
Q: How long will the beta testing last?
A: End time beta testing has not yet been determined, but you will be warned about in advance.
Q: Will there be a beta version of Diablo III's auction house?
A: Yes, shortly after the beta test the action house will be tested but with transactions only in gold.
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