An “early build” of Diablo 4 is apparently being used for an “alpha test of friends and family,” according to a recent report.
The report comes from Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier, who wrote on Twitter that a “fun but little Blizzard rumor” he’s heard is that “a lot of people are playing an early version of Diablo 4 right now, thanks to an alpha test.” of friends and family. ”
According to Schreier, the “players are under NDA” and therefore can’t speak publicly about what they’re doing, but he adds, “I’m hearing a mostly positive buzz.”
Another fun but minor detail from Blizzard that I haven’t seen reported anywhere yet: a bunch of people are playing an early version of Diablo IV right now, thanks to an alpha test from friends and family. Players are under NDA but I’m hearing mostly positive buzzAugust 3, 2022
When asked by another Twitter user what he means by “positive” and whether it’s in regards to gameplay or microtransactions, Schreier notes that he doesn’t think microtransactions are actually in the build being tested, so those players won’t be able to get one. meter on monetization.
The Diablo 4 development team previously said that the game’s microtransactions will be restricted to “optional cosmetic items and full story-based expansions”. It’s not surprising, however, that this is being asked, given the furore surrounding Diablo Immortal’s approach to microtransactions which, in our review, we noted “has compromised some of the most important elements of a Diablo game.”
Beta wait a little longer
For anyone interested in getting their hands on Diablo 4 (it seems safe to say it’s probably a lot of people), this is going to be an excruciating tease. Especially after a beta appeared on Battle.net recently, just to Rod Fergusson (opens in new tab) having to clarify that it was for “just an internal test”.
Fergusson, at the very least, added that Diablo 4 “will have more public testing in the future as we continue on the path to shipping in 2023”, so if it’s not too anti-Diablo to say, don’t give up hope.
In fact, Blizzard has already opened pre-register for the Diablo 4 beta test (opens in new tab). We don’t know when it will actually start, but you can “apply now for a chance to be included in future beta tests” just to be prepared whenever the date is announced.
If you’re really desperate, you can always check out Blizzard’s recent offer to give beta access to dedicated Diablo 4 fans who get permanent tattoos. In preparation for the release of Diablo 4 next year, the publisher is apparently offering Diablo-inspired tattoos as part of its Hell’s Ink promotional campaign between now and September 10th.
As Blizzard shared in twitter (opens in new tab), those who attended the first stop in LA received a card that promised them access to the upcoming Diablo 4 beta and a free digital copy of the game. It’s a pretty hardcore step towards accessing a video game, but Diablo is a pretty hardcore game.
Diablo 4 doesn’t have a firm release date yet, but is still expected to release in 2023 on PS5, Xbox Series X | S and PC.
