Blizzard: Diablo 3 Release Date Is Nearing

Diablo III is supposed to be released in early 2012 but thus far Blizzard has yet to announce a release date. However, in a video to Korean D3 fans, game director Jay Wilson hinted that a date may be revealed soon.

"2012 will be a great year, because the Diablo series will finally make its long awaited return. We are currently working hard to deliver Diablo III to you and ensure that it lives up to your expectations," said Wilson (via Blizzplanet). "We plan to deliver nothing less than an epic gaming experience. The Release Date is nearing, and we eagerly await your return as the heroes of Sanctuary. We wish each and everyone of you the very best in the new year."

Activision Blizzard will be holding a conference call with shareholders on February 9th to report on the company's 4Q 2011 results. It's possible that the date will be announced during this call. D3's probably one of the two or three biggest games Activision has in the pipe for 2012 so it seems likely that Activision will at least announce an estimate for the game's release.

Rumors were flying earlier this month that Diablo III would be released in the first week of February. However, Blizzard promptly denied that a date had been set. They're going to give themselves ample time to hype a launch date so you shouldn't expect the game so soon.

Last week Wilson announced that they were making several big changes to the game's items and stats. He also hinted at other major revisions to the game, which makes it seem less and less likely that we'll see the game until the summer.

"Our job isn't just to put out a game, it's to release the next Diablo game," said Wilson at the time. "No one will remember if the game is late, only if it's great."

Update: If you're bored silly by the lack of Diablo III, check out our hands-on impressions of the beta.

Update 2: Blizzard has announced that the game is now due between April and June.