Giant Bomb News

We Actually Have a Release Window for Diablo III

The just-opened beta test is getting extended, too!

Quick Look: Diablo III Beta

Vinny and his merry band of adventurers run through a bit of Diablo III's first act with four different classes.

It's time to think about a new mouse; Blizzard Entertainment has revealed it's aiming to release Diablo III in early 2012.

I don't think anyone realistically expected Diablo III to arrive before the end of the year. The studio had admitted 2011 was in the realm of possibility but always said that was never a guarantee, and the idea of Blizzard taking a few more months to iron out the kinks is right in line with Blizzard tradition of "when it's done" or "as close to perfect as humanly possible."

You're right to be skeptical about today's news, but what makes the news more reliable is because it's been written down in a press release. Prior to today, Blizzard hasn't committed a specific release date range for the game in official form. That's not to say Diablo III couldn't slip past early 2012, however.

"With every game we make, the temptation is always very strong to launch as soon as possible. However, we didn't put so many years of work into Diablo III to release a game that was almost ready," said Blizzard CEO Mike Morhaime in the press release.

On the plus side, Blizzard will be extending the beta test for an undetermined amount of time and "potentially adding more testers than initially projected."

MrKloroxon Sept. 23, 2011 at 11:42 a.m.
Hail Satan!
eternalshadeson Sept. 23, 2011 at 11:42 a.m.

I can wait if it makes the game better.

Shinjitsuon Sept. 23, 2011 at 11:42 a.m.

Still can't wait.

But I have to.=/

Theresonlyoneon Sept. 23, 2011 at 11:42 a.m.

Note to self: Get a new computer for early 2012.

MooseyMcManon Sept. 23, 2011 at 11:42 a.m.

@MrKlorox said:

Hail Satan!
nan0fearon Sept. 23, 2011 at 11:43 a.m.

Radical dood

Cincaidon Sept. 23, 2011 at 11:43 a.m.

I never got into the Beta :(

EvilSpantson Sept. 23, 2011 at 11:44 a.m.
Sweet! Now all I need is a persistent internet connection.
ervonymouson Sept. 23, 2011 at 11:44 a.m.

So I still have a small chance of getting a beta key. Why must they toy with me like this.

phrosniteon Sept. 23, 2011 at 11:45 a.m.

Diablo 3 coming out summer or holiday 2012. You heard it here first!

ICryCauseImEmoon Sept. 23, 2011 at 11:46 a.m.

It's cool that I may (prob not) have a chance into the beta. At the same time it sucks because I want this game. However at the same same time its great because I get to play froza 4, bf3, skyrim, torchlight 2 (hopefully) with a lot of breathing room.

PlasmaBeam44on Sept. 23, 2011 at 11:47 a.m.

@Cincaid said:

I never got into the Beta :(

The beta isn't over yet and more invites will be going it phases. If you signed up and your PC isn't terrible then you have a chance at eventually getting in. And I'm sure they'll be giving out codes for pre-orders eventually.

Thuggishon Sept. 23, 2011 at 11:47 a.m.

@Cincaid: It's only been open for a few days (less than a week)... you could very well still receive an invite :)

400lb_Gorillaon Sept. 23, 2011 at 11:47 a.m.

Well that's five bucks on the way into my pocket. My friend bet me five dollars when the beta came out that it was a sign that the game was coming out this year. I told him, this is still Blizzard, there is no way that is happening. And now he's all mad cause he wanted to play it a lot more than i did and he also owes me five dollars. Score.

Hectoron Sept. 23, 2011 at 11:53 a.m.

@Cincaid said:

I never got into the Beta :(

There's still many chances to get it. They just recently started sending invites.

HadesTimeson Sept. 23, 2011 at 11:59 a.m.

I like your take on this that early 2012 is the release window. It makes me feel better. I played some Diablo 3 when I was at Blizzcon a couple years ago and I've really wanted it ever since. Watching the quick look just makes me want it more. I guess I'll just save my pennies; because this one is definitely going to worthy of buying the Collectors Edition.

endaroundon Sept. 23, 2011 at noon

You're right Patrick, no one ever lies in a press release!

davoon Sept. 23, 2011 at 12:01 p.m.

Not so bad news. Extra polish is nice, and at least I won't have to juggle playing so many games now...

Sayishereon Sept. 23, 2011 at 12:02 p.m.

I really want to get into the beta :(

I have never played a Diablo game...but the game looks really appealing :(

Cronoon Sept. 23, 2011 at 12:02 p.m.

What is Blizzard's definition of "early"

Dig Deeper into Diablo III

Diablo III returns to the world of Sanctuary twenty years after the events of Diablo II with a new generation of heroes that must defeat the demonic threat from Hell.

US Release Date: May 15, 2012

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