Diablo III announced

Next instalment in Blizzard's hugely popular series announced at Blizzard Invitational.

Jay Wilson, lead designer stepped on stage to give a gameplay demonstration of the game and to crush some demons. He played as the Barbarian, a character who overcomes enemies with pure brute force. Several improvements to Diablo 2 were shown, including a Hot bar, to help players use skills quickly and easily, and a Quick swap between two skills using mouse wheel or tab key.

Blizzard has also added a new red health pick-up, which allows you to recover health without having to rely on potions.

No Diablo presentation would be complete without showing off the loot. According to Wilson all gear in the game is custom designed for each class' unique look. Diablo III will also feature more quests, story and events than in any previous Diablo game.

Diablo III is first and foremost a cooperative game. Wilson then introduced the Witch Doctor, a brand-new class in the game. He's said to have control over disease and has the ability to summon pets. Female versions of the Barbarian and Witch Doctor join the party, with Wilson stating that groups will be formed easily over Battle.net. The demonstration ended with a massive boss battle against a lizard type monster.

There's no word on a release date, but Blizzard has released a bunch of screens which you'll find right here.