Rumor: Diablo 3 Announcement Coming Next Month (Update: Blizzard Responds)

Update 2: PC Gamer has confirmed that Diablo 3 is not revealed in its August issue.

Update: "We definitely appreciate that the community has a lot of interest in seeing the Diablo series continue, and we certainly share that desire," a Blizzard representative told Shacknews when reached for comment.

"For now, though, our focus remains on StarCraft II and Wrath of the Lich King. I'm afraid I don't have any new plans to announce at this time."

Original Story: Rumors are running rampant that Blizzard Entertainment may officially reveal its action-RPG sequel Diablo 3 next month.

The first solid evidence for Diablo 3 popped up in 2006. Since then, the World of Warcraft developer has unveiled StarCraft II, announced the WoW expansion Wrath of the Lich King, and mentioned a "Next-Gen MMO" that is not a WoW expansion.

Now, PC Gamer magazine has teased that its next issue--due around June 30--will feature a "top-secret cover story so huge we had to go to [CENSORED] to get it," and fansite Blizzplanet has responded with the following points to back speculation that the timing and phrasing suggests Diablo 3:

• Blizzard held a press event at its studio in early May.

• Blizzard is holding its 2008 Worldwide Invitational from June 28-29.

• Diablo II shipped in North America on June 29, 2000.

• Diablo II: Lord of Destruction shipped in Europe on June 29, 2001.

• StarCraft II was announced at last year's Worldwide Invitational.

The site further speculates that the "[CENSORED]" in PC Gamer's tease could be substituted with "hell," a likely Diablo reference. Then again, it could be replaced with anything from "Mars" to "The Mystical Island of Glitter Unicorns" and still make sense.

Shacknews has contacted Blizzard Entertainment for comment and will update with any further relevant information.