Diablo 3 digital copies get 3-day unlock period following patch

In addition to a number of rage-inducing balance changes, Diablo III update 1.0.3. also added a possible 72-hour wait period to digital copies.

What does this mean, exactly? Players who buy a copy of Diablo III online could now wait up to three days before fully unlocking the game. After the purchase, you're basically locked into the Starter Edition for "the first 72 hours (sometimes less)."

The Starter Edition comes with a number of restrictions, including a level 13 cap:

• Act I up to the Skeleton King is available
• Level 13 cap
• Matchmaking available only with other Starter Edition players
• No 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. See the Global Play support article for more information.

Going by the brief post from Blizzard support agent "Medearn," it's safe to assume this wait period is an actual feature and not just a bug. No explanation was given, but Blizzard did state that if you're still stuck with the Starter Edition after 72 hours, go ahead and contact customer service.