Some ‘Diablo IV’ players report invalid license error message after Early Access launch

Early access for “Diablo IV” began Thursday night—but the rollout of the highly anticipated action role-playing video game didn’t come without speedbumps, especially for PlayStation users.

While the Early Access launch of Blizzard Entertainment’s “Diablo IV” appeared to go smoothly for many players who had already purchased eligible versions of the game, some PS5 users reported receiving an invalid licensing error message. Blizzard acknowledged the issue, and later stated that a server-side balance hotfix had been initiated.

A hotfix is ​​a software upgrade that targets a very specific problem and usually does not disrupt use.

“Diablo IV” marks the latest installment in the Blizzard “Diablo” series, which began in 1996, and comes more than a decade after “Diablo III” was released in May 2012. for next week.

Diablo general manager Rod Ferguson described “Diablo IV” as “our most brutal vision yet” of Sanctuary, the fantasy world where Diablo is set. He added that it brings “the darkness of the original game” and builds on key aspects of previous installments of the series.

In April, Blizzard Entertainment parent company Activision Blizzard informed of Net revenue of $2.38 billion for the first quarter of 2023 – up from $1.77 billion for the first three months of 2022. At the time, Activision noted that presales for “Diablo IV” were strong, pointing to the game’s successful public testing.

Here’s what you need to know about Thursday’s Early Access launch and the upcoming official release of “Diablo IV.”

What time is Diablo IV released?

“Diablo IV” will be officially released on Tuesday or Wednesday of next week, depending on the time zone where you live. In the US, the game launches on Tuesday at 7PM ET (4PM PT).

While the official release of “Diablo IV” is scheduled for next week, early access started a few days ago — also on Thursday or Friday, depending on the time zone. Early access was available to players who had already purchased the Digital Deluxe or Ultimate editions of the game.

Players who have already purchased “Diablo IV” can also pre-load the game on some devices ahead of launch. According to Blizzard, pre-loading Any Edition is currently available for Windows PC, Xbox and PlayStation.

‘Unable to find license’ for Diablo IV?

Again, while early access started smoothly for many players, some PS5 users reported receiving an error message — which according to social media and posts on Blizzard’s community forums was “a legitimate error for Diablo IV.” Unable to find license” read. The error seemed to affect PS5 players the most, but some other users reported receiving the message on additional devices, including Xbox.

Blizzard acknowledged the reports of PlayStation users in a forum post Thursday night. Global Community Development Director Adam Fletcher After Said A server-side balance hotfix for “Diablo IV” was rolled out on all platforms.

It’s unclear how many Early Access players have been affected by the error. As of Friday morning, some frustrated users on Blizzard’s forums said they were still having trouble accessing the game.

The Associated Press reached out to Blizzard and PlayStation on Friday morning for statements.

What are Diablo IV character classes?

According to Blizzard, “Diablo IV” is set decades after the events of “Diablo III: Reaper of Souls”. The demon Lilith and the angel Inarius have become enemies and have started a war against each other.

At launch for “Diablo IV,” players will be able to enter one of five classes: Druid, Rogue, Sorceress, Barbarian or Necromancer.

“Diablo IV” offers cross-platform play and progression on Windows PC, Xbox Series X’s, Xbox One, PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 as well as couch co-op, Blizzard said.

Activity Financial Results for 2022, Microsoft Deal

Activision — which is also the maker of “Call of Duty,” “Candy Crush” and “World of Warcraft” —informed of Net revenue of $7.53 billion for 2022, down from $8.8 billion for 2021.

In January 2022, Microsoft announced plans to acquire Activision—but, more than a year later, the blockbuster deal is still in jeopardy. While the European Union approved the $69 billion purchase last month, British regulators blocked the deal over competition concerns. US officials are also trying to thwart the merger.

The deal has been scrutinized by regulators around the world over fears it would give control of Activision’s hit franchise to Microsoft and its Xbox console. Fierce opposition has been mounted by rival Sony, which makes the PlayStation.

Activision and Microsoft are appealing against the UK decision in a tribunal. If the appeal fails, Microsoft will be forced to either cancel the deal or carve out the UK as a separate market, which appears to be an unfeasible option, according to tech research and advisory firm Omdia. Games industry analyst Liam Dean said earlier. associated Press.

© 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any way without permission.