As some predicted, the reveal at the end of fansite Diablo3.com's mysterious countdown is a message that Blizzard has acquired the domain name for their own oh-so-incomprehensible purposes. Diablo3.com now points to the fansite's new location, Diablofans.com.
In his announcement, website owner Roger Barr (aka Mockery) tells fans that this turn of events doesn't necessarily mean there's a Diablo III on the way, although it certainly seems to suggest it:
Secondly, while Blizzard is indeed acquiring the diablo3.com domain name, they told me that this shouldn't be considered an announcement for the Diablo 3 game we've been waiting for all these years. They acquire new domains all the time. While this is true, I personally can't help but think that this is a confirmation of sorts that they're working on the next Diablo game. Sure, they can claim it's because they want to protect their intellectual properties 'n what have you, but I can't imagine they would all of a sudden be so interested in the diablo3.com domain if they weren't working on a new Diablo 3 game behind the scenes.
Immediately below, a post by staff member Medievaldragon suggests that whatever deal was made will ensure the new Diablofans.com will be the go-to site for Diablo in time to come -- they anticipate Blizzard will give Diablofans exclusive interviews, beta keys and more.
Though a quick Whois still lists Roger Barr as the registered owner (through November 2009), we've just received confirmation from Blizzard that they did indeed acquire the rights to Diablo3.com, but merely as routine safeguard for their intellectual property. Of which Diablo III is not yet a part. Right?
While we may be waiting indefinitely to once again fight over items bearing rusty brown text, domain squatting seems more attractive than ever before. Hey, beyondgoodandevil2.com is wide open...
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