Blizzard Entertainment revealed its Diablo III beta trial version to the press Thursday, also unveiling its in-game auction system.

Internet crimes, such has fraud, plagued Diablo II through external websites, but the third version of the game aims to provide a safe trading environment by adopting its own in-game market.

Users will also be able to choose between a gold-based auction house and currency-based auction house when selling items.

“We are aware that there are concerns over our new service for possible hacking issues. Our prior objective is to thoroughly check the infrastructure and release it, hopefully by early next year,” the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Blizzard, Mike Morhaime, said at the conference.

Many doubt that the monetary system will be approved by the government, after a previous game named “Hwangjae (Emperor) Online” was rejected by the Game Rating Board.

However, the Vice President of Online Technologies, Robert Bridenbecker, told the press that it was not appropriate to speculate what answer they will receive from the GRB yet.

Blizzard says it will offer the same user experience to its players around the world, as far as local regulations permit. 


The company has not submitted its review application yet . Blizzard expects to get a Mature rating, which allows gamers above the age of 18 to play.

By Monica Suk (monicasuk@heraldcorp.com)