Diablo 3's latest patch has caused some inconvenience to players who have availed of this latest patch. Players who have the digital copies of the game will be locked down for up to 72 hours with only limited access to the game.

Here are the restrictions for players that are utilizing Starter Editions:

  • Act I up to the Skeleton King is available
  • Level 13 cap
  • Matchmaking available only with other Starter Edition playersNo Auction House access (Real Money or Gold)
  • Global Play is not available.
  • Players attempting to connect to Diablo III Starter Edition in a region other than their Battle.net Account's home region will receive Error 12.

Blizzard, the developer behind Diablo 3 claims that these restrictions are necessary in order to prevent hacking and possible fraud issues. The retail version does not have this kind of restrictions so players who are not really keen with these restrictions should proceed with that kind of option. Despite Blizzard's explanation regarding this matter, many Diablo 3 players are not satisfied with the explanation given. Here is Blizzard's full statement:

"For security reasons and to help ensure the integrity of the game and auction house service, players who purchase the digital version of Diablo III may have to wait until payment verification is complete before they can access certain game features. While most payments are approved and restrictions are lifted within a day, in some cases it can take up to 72 hours to complete this process."

Listed below is the full list of standard security-related restrictions (until payment verification is complete):

  • No public game access for unverified digital purchasers
  • No auction house access (real-money or gold) for unverified digital purchasers
  • Unverified digital purchasers cannot trade items or drop items for other players to receive
  • Unverified digital purchasers are not able to chat in any public or game channels
  • Unverified digital purchasers cannot attach a custom message to friend requests, but they can send/accept friend requests, and play with their friends
  • Global Play is not available for unverified digital purchasers

Blizzard emphasized that these restrictions are only temporary and it could be lifted within a day or within 72 hours until the payment verification process has been completed.