Well folks, I'm sure we all knew it was coming, but it's finally been confirmed. At the opening ceremony of their Worldwide Invitational in Paris, Blizzard have just announced their next game is, in fact, DIABLO III.

All the rumours and discussions that started before last year's BlizzCon have finally come to fruition, with the long-awaited sequel to the well-loved dark-fantasy action RPG, announced eight years after the last instalment, Diablo II (and more than 10 years since the world first met Diablo).

Now updated with videos (art, cinematic, and gameplay), as well as screenshots and artwork.

Download the cinematic trailer

Two decades have passed since the demonic denizens, Diablo, Mephisto, and Baal, wandered the world of Sanctuary in a vicious rampage to shackle humanity into unholy slavery. Yet for those who battled the Prime Evils directly, the memory fades slowly and the wounds of the soul still burn.

When Deckard Cain returns to the ruins of Tristram's Cathedral seeking clues to new stirrings of evil, a comet from the heavens strikes the very ground where Diablo once entered the world. The comet carries a dark omen in its fiery being and it calls the heroes of Sanctuary to defend the mortal world against the rising powers of the Burning Hells – and even the failing luminaries of the High Heavens itself.

See (lots) more screens and artwork
So far, two classes have been announced - The Barbarian and The Witch Doctor. If you're wondering (or can't tell from the pictures), it's a typical 3D isometric view of a very impressive looking hack 'n' slash RPG. From here, it doesn't look like it'll be too dark, but they are encountering zombies, skeletons and falling walls. Multiplayer will still be over battle.net too, in case you were curious.

Lead Designer on this project is Jay Wilson, best known for his work at Relic Entertainment where he was lead designer on Warhammer 40,000 Dawn of War. If nothing else, this will be one very pretty game.