Diablo III "Starter Edition" Rules Implemented

In the game Diablo 3 week it appears that Blizzard Entertainment is implementing (or the public is just realizing the existence of) a "Starter Edition" rule which has users new to the game locked down in several areas for 72 hours after they first start up the game. This list of lockdowns includes no access to the auction house, limited leveling, and no Global Play. Users are able to access each of these, and more, once they've had their account for a total of three days (real time, not in-game time, thankfully).

This update appears to have come down in the newest patch to the game, that being version 1.0.3 just pushed this past week. What we're to understand is that the following is true of all digital purchases – not physical purchases – if they've not had the game for more than 72 hours:

• Act I up to the Skeleton King is as far as you go

• 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

You'll still need internet access to play, and Blizzard has released the following statement regarding the situation:

"Digital purchases do require a review period before they kick over from Starter to Full editions. We apologize for the inconvenience, but it is a necessary step to combat fraud and other malicious activities that can weaken everyone's play experience. The delay is no longer than three days, and is often much quicker than that. Hang tight. :)" – Blizzard Spokesperson

The last comment we must assume means that the people waiting for full access are to hold tight, not that they plan on changing this set of limits any time soon. Let us know what you think of this system, or otherwise keep on crushing the demons as you were!