UPDATE: Blizzard Debunks Diablo III Release Date

UPDATE: Blizzard Debunks Diablo III Release Date

What is Diablo III

Diablo III picks up the story twenty years after the events of Diablo II. Mephisto, Diablo, and Baal have been defeated, but the Worldstone, which once shielded the inhabitants of the world of Sanctuary from the forces of both Heaven and Hell, has been destroyed, and evil once again stirs in Tristram. Playing as a hero from one of five distinct character classes, players will acquire powerful items, spells, and abilities as they explore new and familiar areas of Sanctuary and battle hordes of demons to safeguard the world from the horrors that have arisen.

Update: Blizzard has debunked the rumored February 1st release date. Blizzard community manager Micah Whipple posted the following statement on Twitter:

"Diablo III does not have a release date. Any store or person claiming otherwise is guessing."

In addition, Joystiq is now reporting that the sign pictured below has been taken down.

Original story follows:

According to Best Buy, Diablo III is headed to stores at the beginning of next month. An end cap display spotted at a Rochester, Minnesota Best Buy location advertises that the store will hold a midnight launch for the game that day, and Best Buy's website lists the same date.

Joystiq has acquired the following photo of the display, and has confirmed with the store that it's legitimate:

For now, Blizzard hasn't announced when Diablo III will be coming out, so nothing is confirmed. Still, the fact that Best Buy is printing ads suggests that they're pretty confident about this release date. Blizzard hasn't commented on the display, but we've reached out and will update with any information they provide.

What the hell... Diablo III is still not coming to the store