This type of launch date for the beta is very reassuring, as it further reinforces the estimated diablo 3 release date of summer / fall of 2009. As in all Blizzard games the beta will go through a variety of phases. First, the family and friends of Blizzard beta (cross fingers that I get one!), second closed beta…now this is where timing on your part will be crucial if you’d like to get in.

Closed beta accounts will be given by invitation only. How do you get this closed beta invitation? Once blizzard finally announces the closed beta sign ups you may only have a week, or two at max to get your name and information sent to blizzard. In these applications make sure you extol your vast gaming experience, the fact that you are a player and do not represent any type of media organization (if you’re associated with another company or media outlet Blizzard will immediately deny your app).

As always make sure to stop back by on occasion, as soon as official announcements are made on beta sign ups I’ll have the full story on how to get yourself one.

A recent leak from Blizzard’s parent company, Vivendi revealed that the newest World of Warcraft expansion is due sometime in the fall of 2008. In addition, Starcraft II is also due out around Christmas.

So what does this tell us? Well, if anything it reveals a pattern of release timing. After the first announcement of each of these respective games their release dates were scheduled between 8 and 12 months later. I believe this same scenario should hold true for Diabo III.

This would put the game’s release date between March and July of 2009. A release date during this time fame allows Blizzard’s other title releases to soak up all the economic benefit to further bolster the companies revenues for the 2008 fiscal year. With no current releases or expansions scheduled for the 2009 year, it would be a pretty bleak stock outlook for the company to not release a game before Q2, or at the very latest Q3 of 2009.

Of course, all of this is just purely speculation, but with any luck we’ll here of a leaked release date in the coming weeks and months as the rapid development of this much anticipated title continues.