Blizzard Acquires 'Diablo3.com' Domain

The blogosphere was abuzz late last week with the news that Blizzard had recently acquired the 'Diablo3.com' domain.

Diablo3.com used to be the domain of a fansite for gamers who are fans of the 1997 hack-and-slash action RPG, its sequel that came out in the year 2000, and its various expansion packs and add-ons.

Now that same fansite has moved to Diablofans.com. Same content, different domain. So now that Blizzard has their hands on the 'Diablo3.com' domain, does this mean that production for a third installment is now underway?

Interesting story: Mockery and Umaro- the two dudes running the site, were approached by Blizzard a few months back- apparently interested in the Diablo3.com domain, which was currently occupied by the fansite. Mockery has this to say:

...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.

It begs the question: how much did Blizzard pay to acquire the Diablo3.com domain from these guys?

According to what we have read, no money was involved at all. True fans that they are, Mockery just happily gave the domain when Blizzard asked for it- instead of making a huge profit out of the transaction.

Now that's something to admired. More power to you and your new Diablofans.com site, Mockery.

Check out the rest of Mockery's story on his thread here, on Diablofans.com.

Cheers, everyone.