Blizzard nervous over Diablo III's meeting "expectations"

While Blizzard won't release a game it isn't more than confident in, community manager Bashiok has laughingly requested players not to treat Diablo III like the be all and end all.

Responding to a Battle.net forum thread about player expectations after such an extended development period, Bashiok admitted to a case of the nerves.

"I too worry that we won't be able to meet the expectations people have built up for themselves," he said.

"Part of my job is managing people's expectations, so, eh, stop it. Stop thinking about how awesome this game could be."

Bashiok compared the game to a new M. Night Shyamalan movie, describing Diablo III as "the sequel to The Village or The Happening" - two of the director's less well-received films, rather than Unbreakable or The Sixth Sense.

"So just like, lower those expectations, but still definitely buy the game please, and everything will be just fine," he ended.

Bashiok's comments seem to have been joking, but it's interesting to note the wrath of entitled gamers isn't something developers feel entirely comfortable about.

Diablo III has not yet been dated, although it's expected in the second quarter.

Thanks, Gamefront.