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Blizzard Teasing Diablo News, Likely Expansion
Yesterday, we reported that Blizzard has registered a trademark for something called "The Dark Below." Now, a new teaser site has appeared that is unmistakably related to the Diablo franchise.
Underneath the image, which includes a quote from the Book of Tyreal referencing death, are trademark notices for both Diablo and "Reaper of Souls." Both are also referenced in the URL (http://us.battle.net/d3/en/reaper-of-souls/).
During recent financial calls, Activision Blizzard noted lower sales during the first and second quarters. This was due in part to Diablo III's release in early 2012, with no comparable title in that period this year. All of that is to say that a Diablo expansion wouldn't be the worst thing for the company's finances.
On the earnings call, Blizzard President Michael Morhaime mentioned a Diablo announcement at Gamescom, which is next week in Germany. But if a new Diablo expansion is called "Reaper of Souls," what is "The Dark Below?" We'll have more news from the show.
[Source: Blizzard via Joystiq]
Our Take
The timing is right for a big Diablo III expansion. With all of the tweaks and balancing that has gone on since the title's launch, it might be a good time to jump back in.
This also pairs nicely with the upcoming release of Diablo III on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on September 3, 2013.
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