The Diablo III beta [http[File://testingBeta-d3-box.jpg|left|frame|Diablo 3 Beta box art.com ]]The Diablo 3 Beta test] consists of the first half of Act Onebegan in early September, 2011, with some story elements and game features removedwas initially limited to "Friends & Family" testing. The closed beta [http://testing.com test] is largely a tech demo, with little game began mid September and contains the same content open to fan feedback; it is not intended to be a full game balance play[http://as the Friends and Family testers were testing.com test], like many MMORPGs.

* Follow the news updates on [http://diablo.incgamers.com The Diablo.IncGamers.com] for multiple daily updates on 3 beta test consists of the progress first half of the Beta [http://testingAct One, with some story elements and game features removed.com The beta test]is largely a tech demo, with little game content open to fan feedback; it is not intended to be a full game balance playtest, like many MMORPGs.

It was universally-expected that there would be a public beta [http://testing.com test] for =Diablo III, and while Blizzard regularly hinted at it, the [http://testing.com test] was not actually confirmed[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/diablo-on-skills-party-help-and-beta-confirmation/], with a release window of "third quarter 2011," until [[Mike Morhaime]] did so during an Activision/Blizzard conference call in May 2011.[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/diablo-3-beta-details-announced/]Beta Test History=

The beta [http://testing.com test] got underway in early September 2011. It's unclear exactly when the [http://testing.com test] started; the Battle.net beta forums went online[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/official-diablo-iii-beta-forums-but-still-nowas universally-beta] on September 2nd, and visuals leaked around expected that time[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/diablo-3-there would be a public beta-character-creation-movie][http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/the-first-diablo-3-beta-interface-shots][http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/the-first-diablo-3-beta-screenshots][http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/diablo-test for Diablo 3-beta-leaks-explained], and while Blizzard regularly hinted at it, the Beta FAQ test was posted on September 3rdnot actually confirmed<ref>[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/official-diablo-iii-beta-faq]. The first posts showed up in the Beta Support forum on September 4th[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/the-firstskills-postparty-inhelp-theand-beta-feedbackconfirmation Non-forum-gotConfirmation of Beta] -deleted]Bashiok, and got deleted while the Blizzard CMs continued to insist[http:24/9/diablo.incgamers.com10</blog/comments/battle-net-diablo-3-beta-avatar-revealedref>, with a release window of "third quarter 2011," until [[Mike Morhaime] that the Friends and Family beta had not yet begun.[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/no-beta-invites-this-weekend] The Beta download client was available did so during this time, enabling anyone who had it to post screenshots of the client install[http:an Activision//diablo.incgamersBlizzard conference call in May 2011.com/blog/comments/diablo-3-beta-install-client-screenshots] and the options menus<ref>[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/diablo-3-beta-optionsdetails-menusannounced/ Confirmation of Beta ]- Mike Morhaime, Blizzard, but those people could not play the game without Diablo 3 Beta access on their Battle.net account. Activision Blizzard finally confirmed that the F&F [http://testing.com test] underway and the full [http://testing.com test] would begin soonFirst Quarter Calendar 2011, on September 6th.[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/blizzard-confirms-ff-beta-underway-closed-public-beta-soon][http:9/05/diablo.incgamers.com11</blog/comments/blue-beta-comments-and-replies]ref>

The first posts showed up in the Beta Support forum on September 4th<div style="floatref>[http:right; clear:right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;">//diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/the-first-post-in-the-beta-feedback-forum-got-deleted Feedback Forum Post Deletion] - Blizzard 4/9/11<br/ref>, and got deleted while the Blizzard CMs continued to insist <brref>__TOC__[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/battle-net-diablo-3-beta-avatar-revealed Official Beta Forum Avatar] - Blizzard 5/9/11</divref>that the Friends and Family beta had not yet begun.

The Beta download client was available during this time, enabling anyone who had it to post screenshots of the client install<brref>[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/diablo-3-beta-install-client-screenshots Beta Install Screenshot] - diablo.incgamers.com 6/9/11</ref> and the options menus<ref>[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/diablo-3-beta-options-menus Beta Options Menu Screenshot] - diablo.incgamers.com 6/9/11</ref>, but those people could not play the game without Diablo 3 Beta access on their Battle.net account. Blizzard finally confirmed that the F&F test was under way and the full test would begin soon, on September 6th. <ref name=ffbeta>[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/blizzard-confirms-ff-beta-underway-closed-public-beta-soon Friends & Family Test Under Way] - Bashiok, Blizzard 7/9/11</ref>.  ===What changes have been made to Diablo 3 during the Beta?=== The vast majority of changes in the patches have been bug fixes and skill and item balances however there have been some significant changes and additions which are noted below. Visit the patch links for the full patch details. * [[Beta Patch 2]] – v0.3.73108 - 8 September* [[Beta Patch 3]] - v.0.3.0.7338 - 15 September ** Gold [[Auction House]] activated.* [[Beta Patch 4]] - v.0.3.0.7447 - 27 September* [[Beta Patch 5]] – v.0.3.1. 7728 - 4 November (Large patch with many changes)** Experience rewarded from quests after level 4 is now based on the number of mobs you’d have to kill to earn the same amount of experience, rather than being a strict percentage of a level ** New passive skills have been added for all classes. See individual class notes below for more information.** All skills are now based off weapon damage. ** Switching out class skills will now require the use of a new feature known as the Nephalem Altar. ** Items sold from vendors will now be at least one item level lower than those that are currently available to a player via drops from monsters** Quivers, Orbs, and Mojos will now always come with +Min/Max damage.** A new Mortar affix has been added to the game. Mortar monsters will lob grenades at enemies outside melee range. * [[Beta Patch 6]] - v.0.4.0.7841 - 18 November** Player profiles have been added! These profiles will display important statistics for each of your characters, as well as 3D models featuring their current gear.** Achievements are now available for testing. Please note that for the beta launch of this system, only a limited number of achievements have been included. * [[Beta Patch 7]] – v.0.4.1.7391 - 2 December** A trial version of the Diablo 3 Currency-Based Auction House is now available for testing. * [[Beta Patch 8]] - v.0.5.0.8059 - 16 December (Large patch with many changes)** Battle.net BattleTags are now live! ** A new skill has been added for Monk: Cyclone Strike * [[Beta Patch 9]] - V.0.5.1.8101 - 21 December* [[Beta Patch 10]] - v.0.6.0.8296 - 23 January** Attack, Defense, and Precision have been removed.** Dexterity, Intellect, Strength, and Vitality have been added.** Nephalem Altars, Nephalem Cube and Cauldron of Jordan have been removed.** Achievements have been re-enabled.** Leveling artisans in Normal difficulty now only requires gold.** Common (white) items can no longer be salvaged.* [[Beta Patch 11]] - v.0.6.1.8350 - 30 January** Fixed a number of game and service crashes.* [[Beta Patch 12]] - v.0.6.2.8392 - 3 February** Fixed a number of game and service crashes.* [[Beta Patch 13]] - v.0.7.0.8610 - 18 February 2012** Public chat and Real ID enabled.** Skill runes activated.** Elective mode enabled.** Many skills altered for all classes** The cooldown on swapping skills has been decreased from 30 seconds to 15 seconds ** New Templar item affixes added* [[Beta Patch 14]] - v. 0.8.0.8815 - 8 March 2012** Hardcore mode is now available, and can be unlocked by reaching level 10 with at least one character** Player created games now default to Invite Only. Check "Allow Quick Join" in the Social tab of the Options menu to allow your friends to join** Magic Find and Gold Find are now shared amongst party members. The average combined value of the entire party's Magic and Gold Find applies to all players regardless of location in the game world.** Many changes to game economy, including rings and amulets level requirements being raised to no longer drop in the beta* [[Beta Patch 15]] - v.0.9.0.8896 - 16 March 2012** The gold auction house for Hardcore characters is now available for testing** A new quest selection feature has been added ** The levels at which character skills and skill runes unlock have been adjusted for most classes* [[Beta Patch 16]] - v.0.10.0.9183 - 9 April 2012** The cooldown on swapping skills while in Normal difficulty has been decreased from 15 seconds to 5 seconds** Demon Hunter one-handed Crossbows have received a damage buff** Spirit regeneration on Monk items has been increased* [[Beta Patch 17]] – v.0.11.0.9327 - 17 April 2012**Cross-game chat is available!* [[Beta Patch 18]] – v.0.11.0.9359 - 19 April 2012** Minor bug fix =Is there a closed Diablo 3 beta test?=

==Will there be a closed Diablo III beta [http://testing.com test]?==Yes. This was always all but certain, but it was officially stated confirmed to be happening in various interviews from Blizzcon 2010.<ref>[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/diablo-3-beta-confirmed/Beta Confirmed][http:- Christian Lichtner, Blizzard, VG247 Interview, 28//www.vg247.com/201010/10</27/interview-diablo-iiis-jason-bender-and-christian-lichtner-talk-demon-hunters-pvp-blizzard-on-consoles-tons-more/]ref>

<blue><br>Christian Lichtner:</b> There will be a closed beta. I can say that. We definitely will have that. It’s incredibly important for us to get feedback from people. You know, we only want to put a game out there when it’s done. For example, when ''World of Warcraft'' had its really long beta, everyone thought it was madness. It was like “Who’s gonna buy this game? People have been playing it for free for months!” And all it did was make the game better. We need it. We need people playing the game and giving feedback, so we can make the game better.</blue>

Prior to this, [[Jay Wilson]] spoke about the benefits of beta [http://testing.com test]ing. <ref>[http://wwwdiablo.ausgamersincgamers.com/features?p=3549 Benefits of Beta Testing] - Ausgamers Interview, 2/read10/2662371]08</ref>

==How do I register for the Diablo III 3 Beta [http://testing.com test]Test?==

::In order to be eligible to participate in future beta [http://testing.com test]stests, you must create a beta profile. A beta profile is a snapshot of your current system specifications. It includes such information as how much RAM you have, available hard drive space, your graphics card and driver, and other information about your system. We gather this information to ensure that we are able to [http://testing.com test] our games on a wide range and distribution of systems.

==What is in the Diablo III 3 Beta?== The Diablo 3 beta test is roughly the first half of Act One, taking a brand new character from the start of the game up though the battle with [[King Leoric]]. All five character [[classes]], all of their [[skills]], and almost all of the game features are included. [[Followers]], [[Artisans]], and the full [[item]] system is in the beta, though only the [[Templar]] and [[Blacksmith]] are encountered that early in the game.

The Diablo III '''Not in the beta [http://testing.com test] is roughly the first half of Act One, taking a brand new character from the start of the game up though the battle with ''' Some [[King Leoric]]. All five character [[classes]], all of their [[skillsstory]]elements were removed to preserve surprises, and almost all of the game features there are included. no [[Followerscinematics]], . [[ArtisansRunestones]]are not included as they're undergoing further development, and the full [[itemArena]] system is in the beta, though only the [[Templar]] and [[Blacksmith]] are encountered that early in the gamenot available either.

'''Not in the beta:''' Some [[story]] elements were removed to preserve surprises, and there are no [[cinematics]]. [[Runestones]] are not included as they're undergoing further development, and the [[Arena]] is not available either. The [[Auction House]] was not available at the start of the beta, though the developers plan to enable it at some point during enabled the Gold Auction House in Patch 3 on 15th September<ref>[http://www.diablowiki.net/Beta_Patch_3 Gold Auction House Enabled] - Beta Patch 3, 15/9/11</ref> and introduced the beta Real Money Auction House in Patch 7 on 2 December 2011<ref>[http://testingwww.diablowiki.com net/Beta_Patch_7 Real Money Auction House Enabled] - Beta Patch 7, 2/12/11</ref>. Blizzard credited all testers' accounts with 50 credits in order to test].

===What was in the Diablo II Beta?===

The D2 Diablo 2 beta took place in early 2000, and like all Blizzard betas in those days, there were only about 1000 [http://testing.com test]erstesters, all of whom had a beta CD mailed to them. Modern betas start small and ramp up with more [http://testing.com test]ers testers added over time, until far more than 1000 people are enabled to [http://testing.com test].

The D2 Diablo 2 beta was all of Act One, in exactly the same form it had in the final game. All of the same [[quests]], [[NPCs]], [[levels]], [[waypoints]], [[mercenaries]], [[monsters]], [[items]], etc. [[PvP]] worked just as it did in the final game as well. All five characters were available, and while they could be leveled up as high as you liked, only the first three tiers of skills were available; at Clvl 1, 6, and 12.

==How long will the Diablo III 3 Beta [http://testing.com test] run?==

[[Jay Wilson]] spoke on this during a video interview from Blizzcon 2010.<ref>[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/blizzcon-video-interview-jay-wilson-direct-tv/ Jay Wison Wilson @ BlizzCon 2010] - IncGamers October 25, 2010/10/10</ref> 

That was modified over time and At the end of September 2011 Blizzard announced that Diablo 3 would not release in 2011 but rather "early 2012" which meant the current plan is for a much shorter beta, that functions largely would run longer than expected but with more testers than originally planned.<ref>[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/blizzard-leaks-d3s-release-as a tech demo. It should only last for 2-early-2012 Diablo 3 monthsRelease Slip] - Mike Morhaime, and 23/9/2011 </ref>  <blue>Blizzard will need use the additional time to complete it by early-Novemberextend the Diablo 3 closed beta test, which began September 20, in order to make their 2011 release date goalpotentially adding more testers than initially projected.

==Will there be an open beta [http://testing.com test]?==

==How many Diablo III 3 Beta [http://testing.com test]ers testers will there be?== Early Blizzard beta [http://testing.com test]s tests were limited to just the 1000 beta CDs they pressed and mailed out. More recent [http://testing.com test]s tests with downloadable clients have grown far larger, and there will likely be tens of thousands of [http://testing.com test]ers testers for Diablo III3. Not everyone starts on the first day, of course. Beta [http://testing.com test]s tests start small and scale up, with more [http://testing.com test]ers testers added over time as the server stability improves.

The Starcraft 2 beta [http://testing.com test] generally had more than 20,000 concurrent users, and many, many additional beta keys were distributed over the course of the [http://testing.com test] to keep the [http://testing.com test]ing numbers up. It's widely expected that the Diablo III 3 beta will follow a similar course, though the [http://testing.com test] itself should last much less time than the 4.5 months that the SC2 beta ran for.

==Are Previous Blizzard [http://testing.com test]ers Testers invited to Diablo III 3 Beta [http://testing.com test]Test?==Only if you are already on the Blizzard's friends list. They do keep a list of good [http://testing.com test]ers from past games, and add people to it when they reliably report numerous bugs, but the names on this list are kept private.

==WhatRPGs sometimes include the entire game client, but are usually more limited. Diablo II's a Beta [http://testingbeta only included Act One, and only the character skills up to level 18.com The D2 team knew they'd need to make changes and tweaks and balances to items and character skills and monsters post-release, but they knew players would need longer than they wanted the beta test]?==Beta [http:to run to get deeply enough into the game to offer valuable input on overall game/item/testingspell balance.com The D2 beta was chiefly used to test]s are large scale [http://testingout the new Battle.com test]s of a near-finished video game. To datenet features, all Blizzard beta [http://testing.com and to test]s have been semi-public, with website signups drawing in thousands the early aspects of public [http://testingD2 itself.com test]ersThey wanted to perfect the fun factor, who join Blizzard employeesleveling speed, their friends and familyearly items, fansite invitees, members of the media, employees at other gaming companiesskills, monsters and othersquests. Beta [http://testing.com test]s generally scale up Larger game balance changes were made in size as they progress; starting with a few dozen [http://testing.com test]ers, then gradually expanding to post-release patches and were based on the input and play choices of hundreds and then of thousands of [http://testing.com test]ers. In the old days this meant physically mailing out beta CDs; these days with the beta clients being shared via bit torrentplayers, it means passing out more valid rather than just a few hundred beta CD keystesters.

The original Diablo ===What makes a good beta [http://testing.com test] was called the "Battle.net Beta [http://testing.com test]" since it was largely made to [http://testing.com test] Blizzard's new online gaming service. That the software contained the beta client of Diablo I was almost beside the point, since the game was small enough to be [http://testing.com test]ed internally. The hard part was getting the online matchmaking of Battle.net functional.tester?===

All computer game beta [http://testing.com It depends on what the test]s are chiefly used is trying to fix technical problems. Public beta [http://testing.com test]ers have an enormously wide variety of computer systems, and ironing out all of the hardware and software issues keeps Blizzard's technical crew very busy. Numerous game bugs are fixed as well, as the influx of new players invariably find ways to break the game that the company's QA department didn't discovermeasure.

Beta [http://testing.com test]s Many would-be testers like to stress (in hotly-debated forum posts) that they would be great testers since they play a ton, are very useful to companies as they work to streamline the early player experience as wellexperienced gamers, etc. Beta [http://testing.com test]s seldom include the entire gameThat may be true, but they always have the early portions of the mistake such players make is thinking beta tests are primarily about game, including character creation and other opening content, since itbalance. That's essential (especially for an aspect of such tests, but far from the only one. Blizzard games) that their games are immediately involving and enjoyable. This is one reason companies like to pull in wants a wide variety of [httptesters://testingvaried computer systems, varied locations, varied play experience, and varied game interest.com test]ers; noobs They know rabid D3 fans will play endless hours, and dedicated fans alikeprobably find some bugs. Experienced They also know that such players will skip past learn how to control the game very quickly, and will not be slowed by unclear help guides, cumbersome controls, and other such minor glitchesdifficulties that can stymie new players.

How much actual Beta tests, especially those that do not include the entire game [http://testing.com test]ing goes on in a beta [http://testing.com test] varies from title to title. RTS games (like Starcraft 2 generally feature D2's) are largely about optimizing the entire early game experience. Seeing what players find helpful or confusing about character creation, early gamequests, but only NPC interactions, using the multiplayer portioninterface, etc. They can run And for many monthsthat, as countless tweaks and changes total noobs are made to the unit stats as or more useful than experienced players find new ways . In fact, since Blizzard usually distributes hundreds of beta slots through their fansites, slots that will go chiefly to exploit unitsrabid fans, getting lots of casual fans from Blizzcon attendees, other gaming promotions, and one race or another seems too powerful, or grows too weak as new techniques are developedpeople selected via their B.net beta opt in service is essential.

===What makes a good beta [http://testing.com test]ercountries are included in the Beta Test?==It depends on what the [http://testing.com test] is trying to measure.=

Many would-be [http://testing.com test]ers like to stress (in hotly-debated forum posts) that they would be great [http://testing.com test]ers since they play a ton, Blizzard beta tests are very experienced gamersgenerally done internationally, etc. That may be true, but the mistake such players make is thinking beta [http://testing.com though they often start with just North America for their test]s are primarily about game balance. That's an aspect servers and most of such [http://testing.com test]s, but far from the only onefirst testers. Blizzard wants has also been known to run beta servers in other countries where they expect a wide variety lot of [http://testing.com test]ers: varied computer systems, varied locations, varied play experience, and varied game interestplayers. They know rabid D3 fans will play endless hours, and probably find some bugshad extensive Battle. They also know that such players will learn how to control net servers in Korea for the game very quicklyStacraft 2 beta, and will not be slowed by unclear help guides, cumbersome controls, and other such minor difficulties that can stymie new playersfor instance.

<br>==What countries are included in the Beta [http://testing.com test]=Are there age limits for beta testers?==Blizzard beta [http://testing.com test]s are generally done internationally, though they often start with just North America for their [http://testing.com test] servers and most of the first [http://testing.com test]ers. Blizzard has also been known to run beta servers in other countries where they expect a lot of players. They had extensive Battle.net servers in Korea for the Stacraft 2 beta, for instance.=

===Can I sign up multiple times?=== Each Battle.net account entered in the Beta Opt-In is eligible to be selected for a given beta test. So if you have multiple accounts, yes. You can't submit the same account more than once, though. This can differ for expansion pack beta [http://testing.com test]stests, since an account must have valid access to the current game in order to [http://testing.com test] the expansion. The D3 beta did not require any other games on the Blizzard account, but it's likely the Diablo 3 Beta expansion beta will require a valid copy of Diablo III3.  ===Are there minimum system specs for Beta Tests?===

<br>==Are there minimum system specs for Beta [http://testing.com test]s?==There has to be some level of minimum machine to run a beta [http://testing.com test], but developers try to include as wide a variety of [http://testing.com test]er tester equipment as possible. See the [[system requirements]] article for more details on Diablo III3's requirements.

The absolute minimum required to run the Diablo III 3 beta was revealed to be:<ref>[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/beta-minimum-specs-graphics-card-supportBeta Minimum Specs]- Blizzard, 7/9/10</ref>

In addition to those ===How are Selected Testers Notified?=== Blizzard beta tests are conducted digitally, all through Battle.net. Most of the testers are semi-randomly selected by Blizzard, by their Battle.net accounts. Selected accounts are given beta access, and players can do so by logging on and downloading the beta client. Notification emails<ref>[http://testingdiablo.incgamers.com test/blog/comments/friends-and-family-beta-invite-email Invite Email]ers- 7/9/10</ref> are sent to the email address associated with each account. In addition to those selected testers, Blizzard generally gives out thousands of additional beta invites via con[http://testing.com test] contest winners, with pre-orders, via "invite a friend"   ===Will I have to pay for the beta test?===

===Will the Beta [http://testing.com test] slots are sometimes sold, but not officially, and eBay and other online auction services do not permit the sale of beta slots.be downloadable?===

===Will the beta change as I participate?=== Constantly. Beta [http://testing.com test]s tests usually have a new patch almost every day, with minor and major changes, bug fixes, and more.

<blue>Bashiok: ===Will I don’t believe we’re planning be able to impose NDA’s on future talk about the beta [http://testing.com test]s for any of our franchises. That’s of course subject to change.</blue>?===

The Diablo III Beta While previous Blizzard betas tests all had a Non-Disclosure Agreement ([[http://testingNDA]]), their more recent betas have not.com test[[Bashiok]] launched spoke on this in early September January 2011 without an NDA.<ref>[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/blizzardno-confirmsnda-fffor-betathe-underwaydiablo-closed-publiciii-beta/ No NDA for Beta] -soon]Bashiok, Blizzard, and players were free to talk about the [http:11/1/10</testing.com test], to post videos and screenshots, etc.ref>

===Will beta [http://testing.com test]ers testers be given notice before the [http://testing.com test]ing ends?==Usually the end of a [http://testing.com test] is announced some weeks in advance.=

 ===How Long After Beta is Release?=== This also depends. Some beta [http://testing.com test]s tests run right up until the release date, with the information from them being used for post-release patches. Others end weeks earlier, or are replaced by open beta/stress [http://testing.com test]stests.

===Rewards for Being Beta [http://testing.com test]erTester=== No free game. Sometimes top [http://testing.com test]ers testers are credited in the game manual or online credits, and you might earn your way onto Blizzard's beta [http://testing.com test]er tester friends/family list, but the sneak peek at the game is the reward for most. 

==Do I get keep my beta character in the final release?==No, characters in all Blizzard beta [http://testing.com test]s tests are wiped from the servers before the final game. (There are frequent character wipes during [http://testing.com test]s tests as well, as patches are implemented.) Carrying characters over from the beta to the final game would give beta [http://testing.com test]ers testers an unfair advantage, and besides, there are numerous technical issues as the beta client is not the same as the final game version.

==References==