At Least Diablo III, The Book, Will Be Out This Year

There’s still no firm date on Blizzard’s next entry in the Diablo series, but at least one of the game’s official tie-ins, Diablo III: Book of Cain, is expected to arrive in 2011. So what is Diablo III: Book of Cain?

It’s not a novelisation of the story of Diablo III, but an “‘in-world’ artifact from the Diablo universe,” written by series mainstay Deckard Cain. Book of Cain is, according to the official description, “Cain’s formal record of this greater tale – a dissertation on the lore of the Diablo universe, told by one who has witnessed and participated in some of the epic events that make up the eternal conflict between the High Heavens and the Burning Hells.”

Amazon.com has a release date of November 15 for Diablo III: Book of Cain, which could offer insight into Blizzard’s plans to release Diablo III, the game, on PC and Mac. We’ll have more information on Diablo III and its beta program in August, so stay tuned.

Here’s the official description of Diablo III: Book of Cain.

In Blizzard Entertainment’s Diablo® and Diablo II, the recurring character of Deckard Cain delivered quests, accompanied the brave adventurer, and, as the last of the Horadrim, provided a link to the greater history of the world of Sanctuary. Ever mysterious during these appearances, Cain hinted at a larger story, providing snippets of it in his notebook. Diablo III: Book of Cain is Cain’s formal record of this greater tale-a dissertation on the lore of the Diablo universe, told by one who has witnessed and participated in some of the epic events that make up the eternal conflict between the High Heavens and the Burning Hells.
Designed as an “in-world” artifact from the Diablo universe, Diablo III: Book of Cain includes Cain’s revealing meditations, as well as dozens of sketches and colour artworks depicting the angelic and demonic beings who wage constant war with one another.

For players of the eagerly anticipated Diablo III, this mysterious tome will provide a deeper understanding of the franchise and its storyline.

Diablo III: Book of Cain [Amazon – thanks, Fabien!]