Forbes Innovation Games The ‘Diablo 4’ Beta Is Basically Unplayable Thanks To Endless Login Queues Erik Kain Senior Contributor Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. I write about video games, entertainment and culture. Following Mar 17, 2023, 08:01pm EDT | Press play to listen to this article! Got it! Share to
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Twitter Share to Linkedin Diablo IV is basically unplayable. Credit: Blizzard Welcome to Diablo IV’s Early Access beta weekend! So far, I have to say I’m really enjoying the game—or at least I assume I would be if I could ever login and actually play it. So far, all I’ve been able to do is load it up and stare at the login queue. On my latest attempt I was greeted by the above message: 128 minutes left before I could join. This is, to put it mildly, totally ridiculous and absolutely unacceptable on Blizzard’s part. Most players who are trying to play Diablo IV this weekend are doing so as part of the game’s pre-order bonus. The promise Activision-Blizzard made was simple: Pre-order the game and you get an extra weekend of beta play-time before the open beta the following weekend. MORE FROM FORBES Here's The Exact Time The 'Diablo IV' Beta Starts And Everything You Need To Know By Erik Kain The other way to get in early is via this KFC collaboration, which you also have to spend money on (though at least you get some chicken!) Either way, you’ve spent money and now you can’t play. Since I’m press, I got a press key, but being unable to login to the game means I have no way to play it and write about it and make videos about it to share with my readers and instead have to write posts like this one—which aren’t nearly as fun! A statement from Blizzard on the Battle.net launcher reads: “We are aware of the issues impacting Open Beta Early Access, leading to long queue times and server disconnections. The team is managing the rate of players entering the game until we have a full fix for the connection issues.” MORE FOR YOU The ‘Backsies’ Billionaire: Texan Builds Second Fortune From Wreckage Of Real Estate Empire He’d Sold
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Android Circuit: Impressive Galaxy A54 Launch, OnePlus Pad Preorders, Pixel 8 Pro Details Leak This reminds me of Blizzard’s last game, Overwatch 2, which released to enormous, infuriating login queues and server issues. Dunkey dunked on that game’s launch the best, so here’s his video: If we want to include Activision in this net, just look at the disastrous launch of Modern Warfare II, which crashed on me more times than any other game I’ve ever played on launch day. Activision-Blizzard is a massive video game publisher. There’s just no excuse for this kind of botched beta or the ridiculous launches we’ve seen lately. By now, this should be a cake walk. It certainly doesn’t bode well for the game’s actual release this coming June. If the servers are struggling this much during a closed beta that isn’t even open to the general public, well, let’s just hope they can get it together by then. Hopefully next weekend isn’t as bad, but I’m not holding my breath. Other issues the beta is currently experiencing (if you’re lucky enough to get in) include: Graphical issues with the intro cut-scene. In-game voice chat problems. The ‘Play’ tab not working properly. Localization shortcomings (it’s a beta, it’s not finished) Couch co-op issues with heroes not loading. Frankly, if this goes on any longer, Blizzard should extend the closed beta by a day or two. It’s not fair to promise customers this as part of a pre-order and then not deliver. Are you experiencing long queues or other issues with the Diablo IV beta? Let me know on Twitter or Facebook . Follow me on Twitter . Check out my website . Erik Kain Editorial Standards Print Reprints & Permissions