Blizzard response

When I first posted that Diablo 3 was dumbed down and targeted at a console release, there were some angry comments.

Now Blizzard has confirmed that Diablo is indeed coming out for Playstation as an official announcement:

Diablo 3 beta errors

If you have got the news about the Diablo 3 open beta weekend (a.k.a. stress test), you have probably started downloading the beta client already.

The problem is once you have the download complete – Blizzard explicitly stated you need to wait to 100% and not click play before that – you will probably not be able to log in. Welcome to error message 3003 (login problems) and error 37 (servers busy).

Even Diablo’s technical forum is filled with complaints about the 3003 error. It seems that the forum servers themselves are running pretty slow and posting is next to impossible.

Update: Since only the EU servers are up and running, make sure you select EUROPE! Go to Options > account > server region selection > europe.

Update 2: Actually, the US servers are now up so go ahead and try them instead. I just managed to log in and create a barbarian! Go to Options > account > server region selection > america.

Last batch of Diablo beta keys

It seems that the rules have changed a bit when it comes to the Diablo 3 beta sweepstakes. It seems that instead of sending 2000 beta keys on December 12, they will be sending 200 keys each Monday (until December 12).

If you are already playing the Diablo 3 beta, congratulations! If not, maybe today is your lucky day. The beta invites will be sent out today, so keep your fingers crossed.

Diablo 3 official release date - 2012

Blizzard’s Ron Pardo has been spinning the truth for the last few months. They really wanted to release in 2011 but… (fill in the blank).

It’s now official: Diablo 3 is postponed for early 2012:

HELL FREEZES OVER — DIABLO® III TO SHIP IN EARLY 2012

Despite a sterling record of always hitting its release targets, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. today announced that the expected launch window for Diablo® III, the next title in the company’s critically acclaimed series of action role-playing games, will be moving into early 2012.

That’s the BAD news. Is there any good news? Well, the beta test has been extended and additional beta invites will be sent out. In addition, I expect that the open beta will last A BIT LONGER as well, Blizzard needs more playtesting as balancing the 5 classes is a lengthy process.

Diablo 3 beta leaked

There’s a leaked video from the Diablo 3 beta! There isn’t much to see apart from the classes in Diablo 3.

Diablo 3 is probably on track for a 2011 release - nothing short of AMAZING!

Diablo 3 official beta

Gamescom attracts quite a few game journalists, so it’s the logical place for all kinds of official announcements: from DOTA2 to … Diablo 3 beta.

Reports Kotaku:

Diablo III’s beta will hit by September, hopefully before, Blizzard game director Jay Wilson said during a Gamescom press conference today.

When’s the game coming out? “When it’s ready.”

Not surprisingly, Jay’s consistent with Blizzard’s “when it’s ready” party line. So it remains to be seen if they are going to hit the 2011 release date.

Diablo 3 beta release

Diablo 3 beta is probably just a few weeks away.

Blizzard has already finalized the box art for Diablo 3 beta, so that you can select it in your Battle.net account as part of the beta selection process.

Btw, if you still haven’t signed up for the beta, go to your Battle.net account now.

In addition to the Diablo 3 box art, Blizzard’s PR machine has roared to life, announcing a press tour starting August 1.

According to MMO Champion, it’s the same pattern as with Cataclysm – the beta release date is probably 2 weeks away... the greatest day for all game sites about Diablo.

Diablo coming in 2012? No way!

Have you been reading blogs in the last couple of days? Then you must be alarmed. No, Diablo is coming out in 2011. Or so says none other than Rob Pardo:

“We really, really hope so. That’s our goal,” Pardo said. “Our goal is to get there. But you know, at the end of the day, we are going to get it right. That’s more important. We’re going to promise, we’re going to get it out there when the game is awesome. And, we’re crossing our fingers, maybe it will be this year.”

Now, there... and forget about Joystiq and their drivel.

Diablo beta

Check out Blizzard’s leaked schedule. According to it, Diablo 3 will be released sometime before Christmas. So when can we expect the beta?

First of all, make sure you have OPTED IN for the Diablo 3 beta. Here’s the steps:

Sign up for a battle.net account
If you have a Battle.net account, login here.
You’ll see a link Beta Profile Settings
You might have to download an app that will upload your system specs
You’re done

OK, so back to the question of WHEN. Using Starcraft’s beta, it should be about 6 months before the official release date. So that means summer 2011 will be the summer of Diablo 3.

Diablo 3 production plans

You’ve probably heard that Blizzard’s production schedule was leaked (source: MMO Champion). It’s rumored to have been leaked by an anonymous, yet authoritative source.

Looking at past releases, the schedule is spot on: Battle.net 2.0, Starcraft 2, WoW mobile, Cataclysm. A good idea is listening to the Blizzard's investor call conference and figure out where the overlap is.

What does that mean for Diablo 3 and its release date? First, we confirm that 2011 remains the target date. On the negative side, it seems they are targeting the holiday season, so November or Decemeber 2011.

Some of you have attended Blizzcon 2010 and 1000 beta keys will go to Blizzcon attendees.
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