Diablo 3 developer Wyatt Cheng has posted a huge update on the game's official blog with details about what's to come in patch 1.0.8. He spoke of the long-term improvements they're planning for the series, which include improvements to multiplayer co-op and itemization.
In the more immediate future, the studio wants to bring improvements to the game's co-op experience, which the studio admits is "not living up to its full potential."
"Even if you enjoy playing with your friends, it can often feel easier and more efficient to play solo," wrote Cheng.
"Playing solo has a number of advantages. For instance, you can choose your own route. If you're farming for something in particular (like a specific recipe), you can do it as many times as you want. And you can pause the game and attend to things in real life without making anyone wait."
With that in mind, Blizzard will be adding matchmaking tags for public games, so players will be able to select a tag that will identify the kind of gameplay you're looking for from potential gaming partners. This way, players intent on hunting down Key Wardens for the Infernal Machine quest or seek games in which to Brawl will not have long to search.
Blizzard is also going to add a bonus for playing in multiplayer that will provide players with more XP per extra player in the game for a maximum of 30% more XP in a 4-player game. The bonus is multiplicative and stacks with MP bonuses. On top of this, players will also earn a flat 10% Gold Find and 10% Magic Find for each additional player in the game that exceeds the 300% limit for each.
Also being added to the game is an Identify All function so you won't have to waste time clearing your inventory.
Other features going into the game are combat alerts, which inform you when a player deals damage to an Elite Pack or a Treasure Goblin. Players will be alerted to these actions and an icon will pop up on the mini-map so you can locate these enemies and jump to the aid of your friends.
To cater to Local Area Network play, Blizzard is adding a "Players Near You" feature so you can log into your friends' games if they're on the same network.
Finally, the game will add private group chat so you'll be able to interact with up to 99 of your friends at any given time.
