Blizzard announced several new details about the Diablo III launch as part of BlizzCon but managed to surprise many by not including the release date. Chris Metzen fell back on the familiar “when it’s ready” statement but it's still set for release next year.

However he did compensate players by revealing the Collector’s Edition which will include two in-game bonuses: in WoW, you’ll get a Fetish Shaman pet and the ability to summon Tyrael-esque wings as you wander Sanctuary. There’s also a soundtrack and artbook, making of DVD and, most epically, a 4GB drive modeled in the shame of Diablo’s head and a soulstone.

Metzen also revealed a new cinematic featuring Leah and Asmodan, the Lord of Sin, a Lesser Evil who has set his sights on taking Diablo’s place. The most exciting thing - for WoW players, at least - was the revelation that by purchasing the new WoW annual pass, Warcraft fans will get a full digital copy of the game for free. Anyone who signs up will also get an in-game mount called Tyrael’s Charger and a spot in the Mists of Pandaria beta. The only catch is that you have to sign up for a year, although you can pay in instalments as well as upfront. However this strategy is sure to win them more subscribers, at least in the short term and, lets be honest, who doesn’t want a free game and an exclusive mount?