Blizzard Launches Skill Calculator for Diablo III

Video game developer Blizzard has launched a new Skill Calculator application that allows all those interested in their upcoming hack and slash title Diablo III to see how different builds of their future character will work.

All those who are interested can access the Battle.net service, verify their age and they will be then able to select a class and experiment with virtual builds by applying different skills.

There are six active skills that can be set for all builds and three passive ones.

The builds can then be posted to Facebook or sent to Twitter by those who wish to share their creations.

Releasing a Skill Calculator is a good move on Blizzard's part because it allows fans of the series to familiarize themselves with the character classes and their powers before the game is launched so that they can easily create the best character possible when they actually get their hands on Diablo III.

At the moment Blizzard have not confirmed a launch date for Diablo III but given the time table of the beta stage and the busy launch schedule for the rest of the year it's likely that we will see the release take place at some point during 2012.

The company has caused a big controversy earlier in the year when it announced that it will be introducing real money auction houses in the upcoming game, allowing players to list items and then sell them for real world currency.

Blizzard believes that this move will limit if not eliminate gold farmers and will create an in-game economy that is better suited to the needs of the players.

Diablo III will require the player to be constantly connected to the Battle.net service in order to be able to play, a move that is required to make sure that gamers do not tamper with game files.