Launch Day Preparation Guide
The game installer will be unlocked at 8:01 a.m. PDT on May 14, this is when you want to start checking Diablofans like mad for new information!
As we near Diablo III’s long-awaited May 15 launch date, we have some additional details to share on what to expect, how to prepare, and when you’ll be able to begin installing and playing.
Purchase the Game
If you haven’t already purchased Diablo III you can acquire it directly from Blizzard through the digital presale. You can also preorder the game at most major retailers and fine purveyors of high-quality gaming products worldwide. If you’re interested in the Diablo® III Collector’s Edition, please be aware that this physical retail-only edition is printed in limited quantities and has already sold out in most places that take preorders on games. We recommend calling around and checking if your local retailers will have the Collector’s Edition available.
Create Your BattleTag™
We expect that on launch night both the game service and website will be under very heavy strain due to the immense number of people excited to be among the first playing Diablo III. With that in mind, we highly recommend you create your BattleTag now, as it’s required to play Diablo III. Please keep in mind that this non-unique nickname is a permanent choice, and will display both in-game and on the website, so be sure to choose one you like! (What is a BattleTag?)
The Americas (U.S., Canada, Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, and South East Asia) servers open at: 12:01 a.m. PDT, May 15
Digital Presale Download
If you’ve purchased a digital copy you can begin downloading your client right now, and we highly encourage you to do so. We also have a Diablo III presale visual guide available that may be helpful. As it may take you some time to download the full game, it’s best that you begin early. This may afford you additional time to troubleshoot any downloader or installer issues you may encounter.
Early Install
We will be unlocking the game's installer at 8:01 a.m. PDT on May 14. This will allow you to begin installing the game, troubleshoot any issues you run into, download and install the launch day 1.0.1 patch, and be ready to play as soon as the servers come online.
Global Play Launch Time
We’ll be turning on Global Play when the game has launched in all regions. This means that you will not be able to play in a region outside your home region until after the Americas’ midnight launch at 12:01 a.m. PDT on May 15. We’ll provide an update once Global Play is enabled, and you’ll then be able to change the region you connect to through the game’s options. Please note that characters, items, and friends lists do not transfer across regions and players who use Global Play to connect outside of their home region will only be able to access the gold-based auction house. More information can be found in our Global Play introduction article.
Launch Night Login
As we’ve unlocked the Diablo III installer early, many people will be ready to log in right when the servers go live at midnight, so we’re going to be closely monitoring the impact on the service. It’s possible we’ll need to adjust the rate at which we’re logging people in to ensure a stable experience, and if we do you may see a delay when attempting to login. Please be aware that a delay of up to 40 seconds is possible while the game attempts to connect you. If your connection doesn’t succeed in 40 seconds, you’ll be presented with an Error 37 message and asked to try again. If you see this error it does in fact mean that you should try again. We’ll be working around the clock to keep you informed of any issues that are occurring through the in-game breaking news window, as well as the official forums.
Sweet!! I can install the game during school and then I don't gotta worry about that two hour gap from midnight to servers going live. (I'm in Central Time.) But what do I do in those two hours?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I don't always burn. But when I do, I use hellfire.
spoilers are gonna be through the fucking roof come may 14th.... I can't even begin to imagine all the dataminers getting a hard-on already.. from hearing this..
Installer unlock happens at the moment asian servers go live so it doesn't really matter. There would be alot of spoilers even without it.
is the collectors edition download different from the regular one? i know it only takes 5-10min to install from the actual DVD when you get it . . . but thats 5-10min saved if i download on monday morning through a friends account who digitally bought his account . . . its bad enough i have to wait until the UPS guy comes at 10pm on the 15th =( they should deliver on the 14th so i can play at midnight =(
Wish people with the CE could download the launcher somehow without buying the game twice. Not only do I have to wait for GameStop to open at 10am but I have to sit here and wait for the launcher to stop being slow.
What about amazon(.com/.de/...)? Are they allowed to deliver early enough to be sure that the game is here in time? Are retail boxes already in stores and mail order?
I'm positive we'll get the game on release date, but only if you picked the release date shipping.
So May 15, 2012
Why couldn't they send it a day sooner =( haha
If you order the Bradygames guide at Amazon, your book will arrive in 5/14 - even if your choose super saving shipping. Not after the release. That's interesting.
Got the installer ready to go so all I need to do is pickup my CE, which shouldn't be too bad since I live right across the street from the mall where I pre-ordered it. Will have to wait until 3:00 AM here on the east coast to play, but then that gives me plenty of time to install and patch as needed, which is fine by me.
I have the full game installer, but won't be able to use it if I don't have the digital copy reserved? I would think they wouldn't ask for your battle.net log in until the game is installed like SC2 or WOW.
Guess no point to have the installer if you are getting a physical copy?
Please be aware that a delay of up to 40 seconds is possible while the game attempts to connect you. If your connection doesn’t succeed in 40 seconds, you’ll be presented with an Error 37 message and asked to try again.
wait. does this mean anyone can instal the game, even without their cd key? i pre-ordered my collectors edition from in-store. so i wont get the game until about 12:30 am on may 15th (lines)..... can i still use this 'installer' on may 14th at 8:01 am even without my cdkey?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
(this build was before D3 launched... looking back on it now - i had no idea what i was doing)
The game installer will be unlocked at 8:01 a.m. PDT on May 14, this is when you want to start checking Diablofans like mad for new information!
Originally Posted by Blizzard (Blue Tracker / Official Forums)
Purchase the Game
If you haven’t already purchased Diablo III you can acquire it directly from Blizzard through the digital presale. You can also preorder the game at most major retailers and fine purveyors of high-quality gaming products worldwide. If you’re interested in the Diablo® III Collector’s Edition, please be aware that this physical retail-only edition is printed in limited quantities and has already sold out in most places that take preorders on games. We recommend calling around and checking if your local retailers will have the Collector’s Edition available.
Create Your BattleTag™
We expect that on launch night both the game service and website will be under very heavy strain due to the immense number of people excited to be among the first playing Diablo III. With that in mind, we highly recommend you create your BattleTag now, as it’s required to play Diablo III. Please keep in mind that this non-unique nickname is a permanent choice, and will display both in-game and on the website, so be sure to choose one you like! (What is a BattleTag?)
Regional Launch Times
As previously mentioned in the announcement of our midnight launch events, the launch time of the game is broken down by region.
The Americas (U.S., Canada, Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, and South East Asia) servers open at: 12:01 a.m. PDT, May 15
Digital Presale Download
If you’ve purchased a digital copy you can begin downloading your client right now, and we highly encourage you to do so. We also have a Diablo III presale visual guide available that may be helpful. As it may take you some time to download the full game, it’s best that you begin early. This may afford you additional time to troubleshoot any downloader or installer issues you may encounter.
Early Install
We will be unlocking the game's installer at 8:01 a.m. PDT on May 14. This will allow you to begin installing the game, troubleshoot any issues you run into, download and install the launch day 1.0.1 patch, and be ready to play as soon as the servers come online.
Global Play Launch Time
We’ll be turning on Global Play when the game has launched in all regions. This means that you will not be able to play in a region outside your home region until after the Americas’ midnight launch at 12:01 a.m. PDT on May 15. We’ll provide an update once Global Play is enabled, and you’ll then be able to change the region you connect to through the game’s options. Please note that characters, items, and friends lists do not transfer across regions and players who use Global Play to connect outside of their home region will only be able to access the gold-based auction house. More information can be found in our Global Play introduction article.
Launch Night Login
As we’ve unlocked the Diablo III installer early, many people will be ready to log in right when the servers go live at midnight, so we’re going to be closely monitoring the impact on the service. It’s possible we’ll need to adjust the rate at which we’re logging people in to ensure a stable experience, and if we do you may see a delay when attempting to login. Please be aware that a delay of up to 40 seconds is possible while the game attempts to connect you. If your connection doesn’t succeed in 40 seconds, you’ll be presented with an Error 37 message and asked to try again. If you see this error it does in fact mean that you should try again. We’ll be working around the clock to keep you informed of any issues that are occurring through the in-game breaking news window, as well as the official forums.
-Andrew Ryan
Installer unlock happens at the moment asian servers go live so it doesn't really matter. There would be alot of spoilers even without it.
I'm positive we'll get the game on release date, but only if you picked the release date shipping.
So May 15, 2012
Why couldn't they send it a day sooner =( haha
I'll most likely be doing the same. I don't want to completely spoil myself before I've had a chance to play the game first.
Never you mind the time! Just
throwhand him a litter of kittens. They very soft and warm, hehe.Yep, I'm swearing off Dfans and in the interwebz May 14th - till I beat normal.
Guess no point to have the installer if you are getting a physical copy?
Official Blizzard Quote:
Please be aware that a delay of up to 40 seconds is possible while the game attempts to connect you. If your connection doesn’t succeed in 40 seconds, you’ll be presented with an Error 37 message and asked to try again.
Oh god. Good luck logging in that day everyone!
http://twitch.tv/JustClickSh1t