Not long to go now.

Blizzard has told VG247 that it’s “very close” to beginning the public beta of Diablo III, following footage and shots of what appeared to be from the family and friends portion of the beta appeared online from an apparent ex-company employee. You can watch the video below, via DiabloFans.

But its told us in an email this morning that the public are about to get a taste of the game.

“We’re getting very close to starting the closed public beta test for Diablo III,” a Blizzard rep told VG247.

“You might start seeing some new reports about the beta client as we’ve begun limited external testing with employees and their families, and there is no non-disclosure agreement (NDA) for that. We look forward to sharing more info about the beta test in the near future. Stay tuned.”

For those who do currently have acces to the beta, the company added that those playing it are “free to show, share, or talk about any portion of the beta content to which you have access, as this beta test is not confidential.”

A public beta for the title was first confirmed at a Activision financial call in May earlier this year for a Q3 launch.

Diablo III has no date yet, although a 2012 date is likely.