The Diablo III Midnight Launch

To start, let's get one thing straight: I do not play Diablo. (I prefer FPS games) However, with all of the hype surrounding the Diablo III launch, I figured it'd be fun to check out BT Games' midnight launch in Tygervalley on May 15.

Upon arrival, I thought that perhaps I had got the store location wrong because it seemed as though nothing was happening in the centre. When I finally found the store, it was pretty much littered with a bunch of gamers standing around waiting. I have to say, I expected a little more from something with the word "launch" in its title. Perhaps I expected too much. (Though apparently Johannesburg had like, three proper party launches - a little unfair to CT and Durban, I feel.)

I have to put this bit in: Tygervalley has been doing renovations for several months now and they didn't stop for the Diablo launch. So that kind of ruined any atmosphere that could have been, anyway. Blocking your ears from the constant drilling and side-stepping through cement blocks isn't really anyone's idea of a fun night out (as far as I know.) When I approached the guy at the door and asked if there were going to be any giveaways or anything, he shrugged and muttered "I dunno." And then when I asked "So... Is this pretty much it?" He replied "Ya.. I guess so." So yeah, a little disappointed on that front.

Anyhoo, aside from the disappointed vibe before the doors opened, I still managed to get a few shots of the Midnight Launch that began at 11.30 p.m. (?) I must, though, give credit to these guys (pictured below) for taking the cosplay thing seriously and giving me something to photograph. They were really rad and I didn't even have to ask them to pose! True Diablo fans and definite cosplay winners in my books if you ask me.

Once the games were handed out, though, people seemed much happier and there was a general buzz of excitement. A lot of the people grabbed their games and scurried home to begin their digital adventures. I asked about the Collector's Edition and, though it is true that I didn't catch everyone's opinion, the general consensus was that it wasn't really worth the cash. (Apparently the skull that comes with the Collector's Edition is relatively small.)

But, in the end, I had a cool time meeting some new peeps and making people uncomfortable by pointing my camera at them. Everyone left rather pleased with their purchase and seeing them all so excited made me happy. 

I obviously haven't played the game, so let me know what it's like! (I've heard awesome things thus far.) Ooh, and if you have any rad FPS games that you love in mind, please drop some suggestions in the comment section! You can also keep updated with my blog and competitions on Facebook here. Don't cha just love gaming?

I do.