(Image Source: Joystiq)

BY ADNAN S. KHAN

ANCHOR ZACH TOOMBS

A Best Buy blunder turns into a video-gaming bonus.

A Twitter-happy gamer took this snapshot of a Diablo 3 display case in Rochester, Minnesota. The case has the release date as February 1, but that date hasn’t been announced. Joystiq was able to capture the image before it mysteriously vanished from Twitter. Apparently the Lord of Terror’s reach is greater than we thought.

So, after a decade-long hiatus, one of the world’s most popular dungeon crawlers is coming back sooner than anticipated -- especially notable because Blizzard has a reputation for delaying its games. Diablo 3 was first slated for late 2011. Here’s Joystiq.

“A store employee politely assured Joystiq of the endcap's existence and noted the February 1 launch date, which will coincide with a midnight opening (at least at her location). We've reached out to Blizzard Entertainment for comment, but, well, this looks pretty legit. Oh, and it also doesn't hurt that Best Buy's web store is showing a February 1 launch date for the game.”

Blizzard itself had only mentioned an ‘early 2012’ release for the title. Diablo 3 was announced back in 2008 -- the prequel was released in 2000.  Safe to say this game has been a long time coming.

And to satisfy those impatient gamers, The Escapist reports a second display has been spotted in the U.K.

“Another gamer spotted a similar advertisement in Gameplay, a UK-retailer, which shows a February 3, 2012 release date. Delays are, unfortunately, common when it comes to European releases of international titles.”’

According to God is a Geek, Blizzard seems perturbed over the leak.

“[Blizzard] Community Manager Micah Whipple has since tweeted a fan about the incident, saying ‘We can’t really keep every individual retail shop from making up a date.’ Is this Blizzard getting a bit peeved about the leak or is the release date misinformed? Seems like an annoyed Blizzard.”

For those who limit their gaming to Madden and Call of Duty, Diablo is a PC gaming legend. For a writer at Kotaku -- it’s the game to end all other games.

“I kind of hope this isn't true, if only because I'll be busy with Final Fantasy XIII-2 on the 31 of January and hate to think I'll need to immediately stop playing it the next day. Because I totally would.”

For all you wannabe Barbarians, Witch Doctors and Demon Hunters, we’ll let one of the Lesser Evils finish things up.

“Soon my armies shall pour forth from the Shadow Mountains, ravaging this world and all hope of resistance. My minions will find the stone. Wherever you may choose to hide it. And at long last Azmodan shall reign as Prime Evil.’”