Original Story: Rumors are running rampant that Blizzard Entertainment may officially reveal its action-RPG sequel Diablo 3 next month.

The first solid evidence for Diablo 3 popped up in 2006. Since then, the World of Warcraft developer has unveiled StarCraft II, announced the WoW expansion Wrath of the Lich King, and mentioned a "Next-Gen MMO" that is not a WoW expansion.

Now, PC Gamer magazine has teased that its next issue--due around June 30--will feature a "top-secret cover story so huge we had to go to [CENSORED] to get it," and fansite Blizzplanet has responded with the following points to back speculation that the timing and phrasing suggests Diablo 3:

* Blizzard held a press event at its studio in early May.
* Blizzard is holding its 2008 Worldwide Invitational from June 28-29.
* Diablo II shipped in North America on June 29, 2000.
* Diablo II: Lord of Destruction shipped in Europe on June 29, 2001.
* StarCraft II was announced at last year's Worldwide Invitational.

The site further speculates that the "[CENSORED]" in PC Gamer's tease could be substituted with "hell," a likely Diablo reference. Then again, it could be replaced with anything from "Mars" to "The Mystical Island of Glitter Unicorns" and still make sense

Update: "We definitely appreciate that the community has a lot of interest in seeing the Diablo series continue, and we certainly share that desire," a Blizzard representative told Shacknews when reached for comment.

"For now, though, our focus remains on StarCraft II and Wrath of the Lich King. I'm afraid I don't have any new plans to announce at this time."