During a recently concluded earnings call, Activision Blizzard confirmed that a Diablo III external beta test would roll out this year, while almost dashing our hopes that the full game would release here in 2011.

During the call, Blizzard’s Mike Morhaime revealed that the much-rumoured Diablo III beta would kick off during the third quarter of 2011, which means any time between the beginning of July and the end of September. Morhaime also let us know that “[Diablo III] is looking great.”

Thanks for that, Mike.

Morhaime went on to let our hearts sink just a tiny bit by saying that Blizzard still doesn’t have an official release date or release window planned for Diablo III just yet, as the developer’s top priority (as always) is to provide a quality title – as is Blizzard’s wont, the team will take as long as necessary to deliver a game worthy of its won high standards.

There was a hint during the call, however, that Blizzard is indeed “driving hard” to release Diablo III this year.

We live and hope.

Source: Kotaku