'Diablo 3': the changes and the fixes

After a bumpy launch, Blizzard announced today that they will be making changes to Diablo III in response to player feedback. Among the changes are a client patch (patch 1.0.2) which is due next week that will address many of the service issues players have been facing, bug fixes, as well as tweaks to the game's design and balance.

After a bumpy launch, Blizzard announced today that they will be making changes to Diablo 3 in response to player feedback.

Among the changes are a client patch (patch 1.0.2) which is due next week that will address many of the service issues players have been facing, bug fixes, as well as tweaks to the game's design and balance.

The changes will be rolled out through a range of hotfixes and client patches – a hotfix will be used if an issue poses serious problems and needs to be immediately addressed, a patch for problems that aren't as urgent.

An example of a balance issue that is being resolved through a hotfix is the change to Lingering Fog, Boon of Protection, and Force Armor. Blizzard wrote on its official blog: "We determined these skills were simply more powerful than they should be, and we felt their impact on class balance and how each class was perceived warranted hotfixes as soon as we were able.

"However, we don't want you to be worried that a hotfix nerf is lurking around the corner every day. If a skill is strong, but isn't really breaking the game, we want you to have your fun. Part of the enjoyment of Diablo is finding those super-strong builds, and we want players to be excited to use something they discovered that feels overpowered."

Patch 1.0.3 is currently in the works and will deliver changes to the "spikiness" of damage, item states, and levelling and crafting costs.

The complete statement from Blizzard with details on the specific changes can be viewed here.