The skill tree format we'll see in Diablo 3 has undergone many design changes, and is still in flux. The form seen at Blizzcon 2009 (represented by images on this page) was thought to be fairly final, but in November 2009 Blizzard let it be known that the UI had been entirely reworked, moving away from trees and was now quite different. No further details have since been revealedto a more menu/tier system.

The first word came on November 21st. [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/skill-trees-gone1 Skill trees gone], via two Twitter posts.* The skill system revision is Further information in full force. Trees begone! I think it might be a winner.* We’re implementing and will be testing a new system 2010 revealed that changes how skills are acquired. That’s all I’ll say. [[Image:Skill-tree-blizzcon09-wiz-muldric.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Wizard skill|Wizard Skill Treepassive skills]] interpretation by had been removed from the trees, that [http://forums.diii.net/showthread.php?t=739038 Muldric].[runestone]]Much player speculation ensued, some of it [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/more-no-skill-trees-speculation/ was shot down]functions were greatly increased, and a bit more explanation (without details) was offered on the 25th. [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/non-skill-trees-discussion-evolves/]:: Can you say why you guys decided to drop the skill tree? What deficiencies did it have that you felt another system could do better? --by JeffKamo::: Focus. --by @Diablo :: That is hard, so many games rely on skill trees. My guess skills would probably have to be... “skill” items that you find or even create for skills. -by CaptainCasey::: Sounds like you’re talking about our skill rune system, which is still very much a part max level of the game15. --by @Diablo Jay Wilson provided some overview of * See the concept behind the changes in an interview in late November. [http://diablofans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23550[skill trees]] ::'''Jay Wilson:''' This new system is still in the development stages article for much more detail and if it does not work, we still have plenty of options to fall back on. Right now, we're just trying different things and getting a feel full citations for the few ideas in regards to the skill system that we have going on right now. It differs from the World of Warcraft/Diablo II type hierarchical styles and is more of a skill pool/path than a tree, ''per se''these changes.