Features & News

New Diablo 3 players get Starter Edition for 72 Hours

June 25, 2012, Author: Wayne Morgan

The digital purchase of Diablo III locks players into the Starter Edition for up to 72 hours with a new patch.

With Diablo III still out of stock in most high street retailers, fans of the game have started to turn to digital purchases.

However, Blizzard have outraged some fans announcing that when patch 1.0.3 is released, consumers who purchase the digital version of Diablo III will be restricted to the Starter Edition for the first 72 hours of play. This is because Blizzard want to approve digital purchases. While the delay can be up to 72 hours, approval can also happen much quicker, but at the same time, Blizzard have also created a dedicated section on the site for accounts that have gone beyond the 72 hour deadline.

“Digital purchases do require a review period before they kick over from Starter to Full editions. We apologize for the inconvenience, but it is a necessary step to combat fraud and other malicious activities that can weaken everyone’s play experience,” said the support person.

“The delay is no longer than three days, and is often much quicker than that.”

Players who purchase the game via digital method can expect to have a level cap placed on them up to level 13. They will also be able to play up to the Skeleton King in Act 1, Matchmaking will only include fellow started edition players, zero auction house access, and players will only be able to play in their own Battle.net account’s home region. Anyone trying to connect to Global Play outside of their home region will be met with an error message.

Personally I don’t see much of a problem with this. Blizzard have learned from the exploitation of other games. They’re only trying to protect the future of Diablo 3 while it’s in its infancy. Although, I can see why some might be frustrated, especially players who purchase the game because they want to play with their high-ranked buddies.

Is this much ado about nothing or really a blessing in disguise for new players?

(Source us.battle.net)

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