Blizzard: Diablo 3? StarCraft MMO? Hydra? Read our findings (3rd Upd.)
Blizzard: Diablo 3? StarCraft MMO? Hydra? Read our findings (3rd Upd.)
If you visit the Blizzard webpage right now, you see a picture without any comments. This flashscreen is online since June 23 and it apparently gets updated every day. This will presumably be the case until Sunday because, as you might know, this weekend is the time of the Blizzard Worldwide Invitational in Paris. For at least half a year now gamers have discussed whether Blizzard will announce a new game on this occasion. This wouldn't be too surprising, because last year's announcement was Starcraft 2 and it is pretty clear that Blizzard will also have a surprise for us in 2008. What will it be?
The only major Blizzard game without a successor in the last years is, of course, Diablo 2. So Diablo 3 would definitely be a possibility and the game that many gamers are waiting for. Diablo 2 still stands on top of its genre after many years, so the expectations for a sequel are high. But Blizzard were very successful with World of Warcraft and Starcraft as well, so the teaser could also be an appetizer for the announcement of a MMO in the StarCraft universe, which could or could not be called "Universe of StarCraft" or StarCraft Online. They could of course also announce something completely new, but this would be extremely surprising: Blizzard's last new idea was World of Warcraft, and even this built heavily on the already popular and established WarCraft strategy franchise.
Our Contributor Tetsuo has compiled a lot of information, musings and other findings on the teaser picture and since then, the whole crew of GamersGlobal has completely joined the hype. If you want to fall for this as well, read our findings that we collected in the course of the last few days below. But be warned: Mighty is the hype.
There are hints in the source code of the splashscreen on www.blizzard.com:
- "<div class="icefield" onclick="window.location.href='index2.html'">
<a href="http://www.blizzard.com/"><!----></a>"So "icefield" seems to be the name/class of the picture. The picture itself is named "ice1.jpg" as can be seen here: http://us.media.blizzard.com/232309/_images/ice1.jpg
The newer versions of the pictures are here: 2 and 3.You can see the development of the splashscreen over the last few days here.
- You can also find a reference to another graphic which is just "commented" in the stylesheet of the splashscreen and seems to have no further use. But still, it´s there:
/*.tundra {background:url(_images/04.jpg) no-repeat 0 0} */ - The Rune which can be seen on the left hand side of the splash has also been identified as one of the runes on the Runesword of "Arthas", one of the new endgame raid bosses in the upcoming WoW-Expansion: Wrath of the Lich King, but at the same time is a reference to Diablo 2 as the look of the "Shael-Rune" is also the same. http://www.diabloii.net/gallery/data/500/wwisplashb.jpg
- Another interesting fact is the URL: http://us.media.blizzard.com/232309/_images/ice1.jpg
Why 232309? If we assume that the numbers correspond to the letters in the alphabet we get 232309=WWI ... ring a bell? :-) World Wide Invitational
23 = W, 23 = W, 09 = I - In the newest splashscreen is a link to the next part of the puzzle, which someone has assembled here: http://files.ipwn.se/wwi_image_pasted_together_no_black.png
- The first rune (top left) is from the WoW-Sword Frostmourne.
- The second rune (top right) on the splashscreen is the Hel rune from Diablo. http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/2204/helxv8.jpg
- A rune was added (bottom left) wich is the Starcraft Protoss Sign. -> http://us.media.blizzard.com/232309/_images/ice3.jpg
- Some People even think that it´s gonna be a new MMO in the Starcraft Universe. http://www.pixelserver06.de/bilder/scmmo/universe_3.jpg
- The detectives over at www.diabloii.net found another clue on the website of Peter Lee. He is an environment and scenery artist working for Blizzard, and on his website he announced that a new album called Hydra would be going online on June 28th.
Hydra is thought to be the internal codename for the third game that Blizzard has said it is working on, alongside StarCraft II and WOW. If Peter Lee's site indicates anything, it's that the new game will be made public this weekend.
The website is suddenly under construction again and said to be back up in July 2008.
- And, finally: just look at the picture above. This is another, very recent, find from Tetsuo. He found it here: http://eu.blizzard.com/wwi08/_images/photos/wwi08_016.jpg
You still want more? Than you can go for the weirdest theory of all, which states that with the runes Shael and Hel now already in the picture, the next runes to come might just as well be the runes Ko and Ohm, also known from Diablo 2. If you put all those together, the sentence that emerges with much fantasy would be Hel Shael Ko Ohm (Hell shall come).
There is also a "Fal" rune. So what about "Hell shall fall"? So many options.
After all these riddles, Blizzard really should announce Diablo 3 or StarCraft Online: Should they "only" announce the release date of WoW: Wrath of the Lich King (which is also a possibility because of the ice and rune references), fans would be very disappointed.
Still, there's a telling job offer right now on Blizzard.com:
Hot Job – Lead 3D Environment ArtistBlizzard Entertainment, the developer of Diablo and Diablo II, is looking for a lead 3D environment artist skilled at creating models and texture maps for both architectural and natural environments. The ideal candidate has experience modeling and texturing assets for a diverse visual range of environments.
[Third Update, June 27]
Alright, Blizzard, we admit it: we are lost and confused. The newest change from Blizzard to the splashscreen reveals two eyes and some strange bit beneath them, and after the most recent speculation that the ice in the picture is actually melting because Diablo is on the rise, those new bits would fit much more to a Protoss or to the WoW Death Knight. So what? We all thought it would be Diablo by now, didn't we?
The puzzle picture is also complete by now. It's a purple penguin, which would be strange enough already. But what's even more strange: The different pieces of the image carry the numbers 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42. Yes, those are the cursed numbers from LOST.
The fifth rune is a snowflake. Blizzard, you are strange. But damn: we very much like you.
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Clicking on the picture leads to StarCraft 2...
By the way, we are not the news ;-)
Clicking on the picture leads to the Blizzard Main Page on my Computer.
Actually, I thought we were the news? ;)
You're right, but the news there concern themselves with StarCraft 2, mostly.
Regarding "we are not the news" (also see "how to write good news"): I wouldn't have included "Jörg" in your original news, my musings are hardly a source for news (except if I have seen something firsthand or interviewed someone, but than that someone would be the source).
Regarding everything else: Imagine me in sackcloth and ashes, as I have underestimated the splashscreen. I have now changed the original news and made it First News. Still, I think people could be very disappointed if Blizzard only says when Wow: Lich King will be released.
Ah, now I get it, sorry for the bad style. I just wanted to express that people from GG discussed that matter as well, and no one knows for sure.
There are a so many conspiracys going around about this picture right now. Its so funny. Just read on ;)
if you look at the code of this splashscreen you can find a few hints:
"<div class="icefield" onclick="window.location.href='index2.html'">
<a href="http://www.blizzard.com/"><!----></a>"
So "icefield" seems to be the name/class of the picture.
The picture itself is named "ice1.jpg" as seen here: http://us.media.blizzard.com/232309/_images/ice1.jpg
If you look a little closer at the code you can also find a reference to another graphic wich is just "commented" in the stylesheet of the splashscreen and seems to have no further use. But still, it´s there:
"/*.tundra {background:url(_images/04.jpg) no-repeat 0 0} */"
The /* means its just a comment in the stylesheet. It actually has no use in the site buts its in the stylesheet.
The Rune wich can be seen on the left hand side of the splash has also been identified as one of the runes on the Runesword of "Arthas", one of the new endgame Raidbosses in the upcoming WoW-Expansion: Wrath of the Lich King, but at the same time is a reference to Diablo 2 as the look of the "Shael-Rune" is also the same.
" http://www.diabloii.net/gallery/data/500/wwisplashb.jpg "
Another guy came up with this little riddle:
"Another interesting fact is the URL: http://us.media.blizzard.com/232309/_images/ice1.jpg
Why 232309? If we assume that the numbers correspond to the letters in the alphabet we get 232309=WWI ... ring a bell? :-) World Wide Invitational
23 = W
23 = W
09 = I
Anyway the "hidden" picture is called 04.jpg. (http://us.media.blizzard.com/232309/_images/04.jpg)
My guess is that tomorrow we'll see a picture called 09.jpg, then on wednesday 01.jpg ....
Today is 04.jpg = D
if Tomorrow will be 09.jpg = I (if its not, maybe not diablo at all Tongue)
Wednesday will be 01.jpg = A
Thursday will be 02.jpg = B
Friday will be 12.jpg = L
Saturday will be 15.jpg = O (June 28 WWI 1st Day)
Sunday will be 3.jpg = 3 or three.jpg or whichever. = (June 29 WII 2nd Day, and B-day of Diablo)"
:D
Some People even think that it´s gonna be a new MMO in the Starcraft Universe
"http://www.pixelserver06.de/bilder/scmmo/universe_3.jpg"
In the end. We don´t know what they´ll be announcing till they actually do it.
But I´m all for Diablo 3 and/or a Starcraft MMO.
OMG :)
I always knew that the Internet is mighty, but that is really cool. The only thing I found was the sign to the left of the center, and I thought it would be the signature of the artist, because on Blizzard pics, there is always one.
The "/* */"-thing is a real clue, because this is meant to be found...
If I could give you XP, I would do right now :)
Tetsuo, this is just great. I would urge you to put what you just wrote in the comment section into a real news article (or we could probably merge it with bolle's news). This wrap-up of all the conspiracies is really a great job and I would also like to give you EXP for it if I could.
I especially liked the take with the number/alphabet thing. I think that at Blizzard Headquarters they are probably shaking with laughter, because they just put all those hints in there to get another rumour going. Or will they really announce Diablo 3? Well: I would really hope so.
Since I´m at work by now i don´t really have the time to fit all this stuff into a News.
I could do it this evening though.
It´s also ok if someone would like to merge it with bolle´s news. Just mention my name :)
Yes, superb information by Tetsuo. I've read the original news yesterday, the new one has nothing to do with it anymore. (sorry, bolle)
No problem, I totally agree with you. I was really tired and wanted to go to sleep, then I checked a few sites before turning the PC off, and then I saw that and decided that I should write a few lines...
Btw. They just updated the Splashscreen.
Now it shows this one http://us.media.blizzard.com/232309/_images/ice2.jpg with an additional sign in the upper right corner. Time for some more conspiracys i think.
I´ll keep you guys posted :)
You Remember the hidden imagelink in the stylesheet i posted earlier? http://us.media.blizzard.com/232309/_images/04.jpg
Of course, in the new splashscreen is a link to the next part of the puzzle -> http://us.media.blizzard.com/232309/_images/15.jpg
And additionally, the new rune on the splashscreen again shows similarities to a Diablo rune. Namely the "Hell-Rune" -> http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/2204/helxv8.jpg
Hi Tetsuo, I've included much of your information into the news article and promoted it to First News. Also, you get +20 EXP.
Thanks :)
But well, it looks a bit "ripped apart" ;)
The Majority of the number-riddle is missing for example.
Exactly, or the news would fill even more scrolling pages... That's why I have included the reference to the comments.
:) i get the point. I´m just a little slow this morning.
Great news! I am hoping for Diablo 3, no other action rpg ever came close to Diablo 1 and 2! And I also hope that they will use the same kind of pixel look in their 3d engine like they do with starcraft 2. Come on, Blizzard, Diablo 3! Diablo 3! Diablo 3! Diablo 3! Diablo 3!
The sad thing is: I am not sure yet if I will have access to the internet this weekend. And this would really be a pity, because the whole buzz that Blizzard is creating right now definitely has an effect on me: I am getting more and more curious. I don't even really care which game they announce. I think it's going to be great either way.
Oh no, forget that. If I'm honest: My bet is on Diablo 3. I don't have any hopes left for a new Lost Vikings, though. :(
Or Blackthorne. If anybody remembers that vintage title from Blizzard (I think from 1994).
Wasn't that the nice looking 2D-Shooter with the Keyboard+Mouse-controls?
Yes, it was called Blackhawk in Germany, and you could hide by moving "to the rear" (pressing yourself against the wall). Actually, it was quite good! I reviewed it for PC Player back in 94 or 95...
I had to go in the basement for this, but you gave it a 71 in 2/94.
Good times in Poing ;-) And in '94 people still knew the Starkiller-comic where I got my nick from.
I´d really love to see a Starcraft MMO or Diablo 3.
But maybe they ressurect another franchise they created ages ago. How about http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_N%27_Roll_Racing !!!
Awesome game back then. Aaaahhhh the memories :)
I really like this whole buzz about the blizzard page and a possible upcoming title, like everybody else I would love to see a Diablo3, but bear with me and look at this realistically:
The Blizzard marketing guys really know what they are doing, they raised the creation of hype to an art-form. With that in Mind and if you think about the Diablo-franchise, would an Ice-image really be the first piece of Diablo, that you would show to the public?
If you just make a random Google picture search for "wrath of the lich king", you find loads and loads of icy and snowy pictures (example)
So, putting my dreams aside for a second, I think it's much more likely that this is WoW related. This is further backed up by the fact that the mysteries picture does not only show up when you visit www.blizzard.com, but also when you visit www.worldofwarcraft.com.
Just my thoughts on the matter.
ding ding. found another one. nice one with the runes but actually most people are hoping for the "fal"-rune wich Leads us to "Hell Shall Fall" but thats just a sidenote.
look at this -> http://eu.blizzard.com/wwi08/_images/photos/wwi08_016.jpg
promising, aint it`? :) seems like diablo is a good bet
First class finds again, Tetsuo. 24 hours ago I didn't care for the splash screen on Blizzard's site at all, but thanks to your wrap-up concerning all the buzz people make about this I am now very excited and simply cannot wait for the weekend. Please, Blizzard: make it something awesome.
i think i forgot something :D
think about the hidden pictures in the stylesheets of the splashscreens.
looks like it´s some kind of puzzle. some people already played around with it and that´s what they figured out by now: http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm19/critchey1/puzzle1.jpg
The hype-machine switched from top gear into overdrive.
But it is just me or does this look way to comical for Diablo? Looks more like WoW art style. Or maybe it's just that I have seen to much WoW-drawings and can't see past that anymore.
But aside from being a pessimist, there is still a little boy inside me, hoping for D3.
I find it funny that so many people actually spend time to comment / investigate / speculate about an image. The number of possible real news with Blizzard is in fact quite limited but everyone falls for their marketing gags.
I mean, if Rockstar showed a similar picture, everyone would speculate if GTA V would play in Moscow?
Funny.
What is that, again? Is that a fake, or from Blizzard? It really looks like the picture on the blizzard site, I think...
fake
I agree. For example, the text in the lower left is not well written.
Hmm, true
:(
;)
... and it isn't copied from WH40k very well, either. ;)
By the Way, the Splasscreen has been updated again. A rune was added to the bottom of the page wich is the Starcraft Protoss Sign. -> http://us.media.blizzard.com/232309/_images/ice3.jpg
So now we have a rune from each of the games:
First Rune - top left - is definetly not from diablo. It´s a rune from the WoW-Sword Frostmourne. So this is the WoW-Rune.
Second rune - top right - is definetly the hel-rune from diablo. So this one stands for diablo.
Third Rune - bottom left - is the Protoss sign from Starcraft, wich can be seen here http://starcraft2.com/features/protoss/main.xml
And of course a new "hidden"- puzzleimgae appeared. Wich leaves us with this -> http://files.ipwn.se/wwi_image_pasted_together_no_black.png
So i think they´ll not only announce one new thing but many more. For WotLK i suppose they gonna be announcing the Beta-Phase or an official release date.
For Diablo, I don´t have a clue. But i really really hope that they´ll announce Diablo 3 after all.
For Starcraft they gonna be introducing the Zerg-Race at the WWI.
But what will be the 4th? We´ll see that tomorrow :)
wow, so many comments... i just wanted to say that i´d be disappointed if there won´t be a diablo 3... that´s all folks^^forgive my laziness to write more
So, it´s gonna be a new game at last. But if it´ll be a brand new franchise? We´ll see.
Official Statement by Blizzard Lead Designer Rob Pardo: "So you want me to announce the game before our announcement?" he said. "No offense, but I think there's like 300 people here, and I'll be ripped apart by 8000 people there [at the Invitational] if I pre-announce it - but it's going to be really exciting. I think everybody here will be really excited about the announcement."
Can be found here -> http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/blizzard-to-unveil-new-title-at-wo...
4th Rune revealed... and more of the Purple Monster:
http://starfeeder.gameriot.com/blogs/The-Starfeed/4th-Rune-spotted-eyes-...
Diablo 3 seems to be definetly a part of the announcements they make.
Usually when you type a wrong URL path in the Battle.net forums URL, it would automatically redirect you to the main list of Battle.net forums. That's a very common behavior. Right? However, if you type d3-general in the URL you are getting a very unique and intriguing behavior by the server. It instead redirects you to a page that says the Forums are down ... as if the server is acknowledging that a Diablo 3 Forum does exist.
(Diablo 3 Battle.Net forum) redirects to battle.net/FORUMS/error.shtml -- which says "The Battle.net Forums Are Currently Down Please try again later."
Unlike other links with game variations, if you type war4 or sc3 you get a different message.
(Warcraft 4 Battle.Net forum) and (Starcraft 3 Battle.Net forum) ... they redirect to:
http://www.battle.net/forums.shtml
Are Battle.net web developers setting up a Diablo 3 forum? I suppose so.
I don't think so: Diablo III Forum, Diablo IV Forum, Diablo V Forum ...
They changed it very fast :)
But for like ten hours the above mentioned was the case.
http://eu.blizzard.com/diablo3/index.xml
Time for another update ...
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