Diablo 3 to be released in "early 2012"

The official Diablo 3 blog has been updated with a release date for Diablo 3 - unfortunately, the gates of hell will stay shut for the remainder of the year.

In today's update, a startled Mike Morhaime announces that Diablo 3 has been delayed until "early 2012". Making a huge effort to convey the necessity of the developer's decision, he notes that the reasons are manyfold. Most importantly, he claims that the people involved in the game got together and decided that they would not be able to get the game out before the end of the year without significant sacrifices in quality. Needless to say, Blizzard considers this idea unacceptable.

The community of course is not happy about this decision but not only cynics argue that it was inevitable given the current state of the game. Trying to work some positivity into his post, Morhaime adds that they will also extend the duration of the beta due to this, which will allow them to invite more players over the course of time.

On a lighter note, all participants of the notorious Diableard contest are granted a pardon and may shave their beards in light of the extended waiting period. That, at the very least, is good news for some people; namely, the people who have to live with the sort of person that would grow a neckbeard for a video game.

Links
Official Diablo 3 Blog - Diablo III to Arrive in Early 2012
Blizzard - Press Release